01/27/2005
CONTACT: Michelle Bolton, (602) 263-7690 or Tony Malandra, (415) 664-9685
George Yogurtian also will manage one of nation's best workers' compensation programs
ARIZONA -- The state's largest small-business advocacy group, and one of Arizona's most influential business-lobbying organizations, announced today that it has brought on board George Yogurtian as its new assistant state director.
Michelle Bolton, state director for the 10,000-member Arizona chapter of NFIB, America's largest small-business group, called Yogurtian's credentials the perfect fit for the many tasks the position requires. "Lobbying on behalf of small businesses, which have different issues from big business, is the primary service we offer our members, but Arizona is slightly different from most states where NFIB is active in that we offer product-value as well, and this dual task requires a person of special qualities and dedication, which is why I'm delighted to have someone the caliber of George Yogurtian working for us," she said.
Yogurtian's lobbying experience started in college as a student advocate lobbying the Arizona Legislature and Congress on behalf of 100,000 Arizona students in higher education. He also interned in the office of Arizona Congressman John Shadegg. Later, he joined NFIB/Arizona as an administrative assistant, before going to work in the field of non-profit development.
One of Yogurtian's most important duties will be managing NFIB/Arizona's workers' compensation program, a partnership with the State Compensation Fund of Arizona that has produced safer work places and additional dividends for NFIB-member businesses. He will also assist the state director in crafting the organization's policy positions.
George Yogurtian and his wife, Stephanie, a small-business owner, make their home in Mesa. He can be reached for further comment at (602) 263-7690.
