01/14/2003
NFIB/Arizona Praises Business ActivismPhoto David Gillespie (Leadership Council Chairman) of Car-Go Auto Repair, Joy Staveley of Canyoneers and Sandy Abalos of Abalos and Associates.
ARIZONA, December 9, 2002 -- NFIB/Arizona, the state's largest small-business advocacy organization, has honored Flagstaff small-business owner Joy Staveley for going above and beyond the call of duty for the small-business community. While actively running and operating her business, Staveley found time to make her voice heard at the state Legislature, with state media organizations and other small-business owners, according to NFIB State Director Michelle Bolton.
Bolton noted how difficult it is for small-business owners to find time to do much other than run their businesses. "She is a leader in the community and she understand that although she may be busy running her business, meeting with lawmakers about small-business concerns is time well spent," she said. "Joy is fighting every day to remind policymakers how important small business is to the state's economy.
"Small-business owners put a real face on issues being debated in the Legislature," Bolton said. "Lawmakers are much more responsive to business owners, especially when they take time from their businesses to meet with legislators to discuss critical issues."
Staveley owns Canyoneers, Inc., a Grand Canyon lodge, country store and white water rafting company that employs 50 people. Staveley and 10 other small-business owners were honored with an awards presentation in Phoenix Thursday, Dec. 5.
Bolton called the business owners truly dedicated to the small-business community. She said they tirelessly volunteer to testify before the state Legislature, discuss small-business concerns with media organizations, participate in news conferences and work to get other small-business owners more involved.
"Small-business owners can make the time to participate in the process, and they can make a difference," said Bolton. "Active participation in the process builds clout for small businesses."
CONTACT: Michelle Bolton (602) 263-7690
