11/24/2004
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NFIB member Jorge Lozano, pictured with Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Kate Obenshain Griffin, recently served as delegate at large for Virginia at the Republican National Convention. Three years ago, Lozano met President George W. Bush to discuss the negative effect that government contract bundling was having on small businesses. President Bush has responded by making this issue part of his administration's agenda. |
Early in 2001, NFIB member Jorge Lozano and other members of the business community prepared to meet President George W. Bush to discuss government contract bundling and the deleterious affect it was having on small businesses like his.
Owner of Condortech Services Inc., an Annandale-based company specializing in placing electronic security systems with the federal government and private industry, Lozano told the newly-elected president that government had overreached in the 1990s.
"I can understand government contracting in certain areas," Lozano recalled telling the president, "but things have gone too far against small business."
Lozano, who also testified before Congress on the issue, said the president was attentive: "He did not know much detail about it before, but now it's part of his agenda."
Lozano said his message remains simple: Small business is responsible for more than half of the nation's economic output and the creation of 75 percent of all new jobs. Government should encourage, not inhibit, small business.
NFIB has been more proactive than his chamber of commerce, Lozano said, hence his consistent involvement with NFIB at the state and federal levels. A valuable member of NFIB/Virginia's Leadership Council, Lozano said he's found the organization that best "protects small-business needs." His other top issues are "taxes, health-care initiatives and OSHA."
Lozano strongly believes the Commonwealth of Virginia needs to improve its understanding of small business.
"There is a lot to be done," he said. "Virginia is ranked at the bottom in granting contracts to small business. I don't do much business for the state but would like to do more."
NFIB/Virginia State Director Gordon Dixon said Lozano's fund-raising and grassroots involvement in political campaigns is another example of his commitment to make a difference.
"Jorge campaigns for people that believe in the small-business agenda," Dixon said. "He is an invaluable member of the NFIB team."
Lozano, who calls NFIB a "best-kept secret," sees opportunity to grow Virginia's membership.
"NFIB is a very effective tool for my business," he said. "I'd like to see membership in Virginia grow, especially among the Hispanic community."
