NFIB

NEW JERSEY, June 17, 2003 -- New Jersey's largest small-business organization, NFIB, today announced the appointment of Frank Rizzo as chairman of the South Jersey Area Action Council. Area Action Councils (AAC) are part of NFIB's national effort to give small-business owners greater influence and political clout. NFIB/New Jersey State Director Rob Tartaglia announced the appointment of Frank Rizzo as chairman of this new group. Rizzo, owner of the Frank & John Rizzo Plumbing & Heating, Inc., has been an active NFIB member for nine years.

"Frank Rizzo will be an outstanding chair for the South Jersey Area Action Council," said Rob Tartaglia, NFIB/New Jersey State Director. "He has proven himself a true leader, motivator and is devoted to advancing the issues important to small-business owners."

Tartaglia noted this is not the first time Rizzo has demonstrated his commitment to small business. "Frank has served as the Chairman of the Legislative and Code Committee for The New Jersey State League of Master Plumbers, Inc. Frank is also a member of numerous other organizations," said Tartaglia.

With nearly 5000 NFIB members in the southern New Jersey area, the council will take on the additional leadership role of bringing key small-business issues to the attention of state and federal legislators. The council also provides a forum to educate area small-business owners and increase their awareness on small-business issues pending before state and federal governments. The purpose of the council is to work with NFIB staff to help guide the organization's advocacy and grassroots activism programs at the local level.

"We will speak out on legislation that affects the state's small business community, and we will be vigilant in our efforts to promote NFIB initiatives, said Rizzo. The current Administration's actions have caused some concern to many business owners in New Jersey, so it is more important than ever to protect ourselves and be heard."

AACs will be set up throughout the nation to serve as an educational forum on small-business issues for local elected officials, with lobbying and political-action components to follow. AACs are a grassroots initiative for small-business owners and community leaders to band together to influence state policy and elections.

"Our primary mission is to make elected officials at every level of government know what they are talking about when they presume to speak for small business, "said NFIB/New Jersey State Director Rob Tartaglia. "Our education efforts will pack a little more punch when combined with our increased lobbying and political activism components. We are very excited to have an outstanding community and business leader like Frank Rizzo to help lead our efforts."

For more information on the South Jersey Area Action Council, please contact: NFIB/New Jersey at 609.989.8777.

CONTACT: Rob Tartaglia 609.989.8777 or Mike Donohue 202.554.9000