09/09/2005
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NFIB member Dave Merenda supports small business and its future in many ways. This summer, the co-owner of ACS Solutions sponsored NFIB Free Enterprise Scholar Jessica Gallup, center. With Merenda and Gallup is NFIB/Georgia State Director Melody Harrison, right. |
If it's working, leave it alone.
That's how NFIB member Dave Merenda views state government's role in Georgia. And the co-owner of Suwanee-based ACS Solutions, a manufacturer of copper cable and assemblies that employs 95 workers, says Georgia is excelling in this regard.
"Georgia government is good – they don't interfere," Merenda said. "They stay out of the way, [and] that's the way it should be."
An NFIB member for six years, Merenda has concerns, but most of them are at the federal level. He cites no significant problems with state government, but says federal regulations and interference can be troubling and expensive. He notes, for instance, results from pre-employment physical exams and I-9 (immigration) documentation must be separated from each employee's file, something he terms "ridiculous."
"It used to be time-consuming, but the big issue now is legal," he said. "It's opened up avenues for fines and lawsuits."
That's created an additional expense for Merenda, who has hired a human resource company to navigate through the red tape.
Merenda's involvement with NFIB is multi-faceted. He is active through NFIB/Georgia's Leadership Council and donates to NFIB's state and federal political action committees.
"I support people with the good business scores that NFIB [tracks and issues]," said Merenda, who follows NFIB's Voting Record closely and consistently votes the state and federal ballots.
NFIB/Georgia State Director Melody Harrison said Merenda is also known for making personal calls to legislators, issuing e-mails and signing petitions.
"Dave Merenda does what it takes to make sure our leaders and elected officials know the position of small business," she said. "He doesn't sit back and wait – he takes action like so many NFIB members."
Additionally, Merenda supports NFIB's Young Entrepreneur Foundation, which sets future small-business owners on the path to entrepreneurship. This year, he sponsored three Free Enterprise scholars: Jessica Gallup of Buford, Voravut Tangpisuthipongsa of Augusta and Christopher Parker II of Tucker. Merenda personally interviewed all candidates who contended for the award.
Merenda likes NFIB for many reasons, including the organization's educational role.
"I don't like when business is marginalized, like some politicians and class-warfare activists tend to do," he said. "NFIB stands up and educates the public."
