03/24/2006
CONTACT: Gordon Dixon, (804) 377-3661 or Jim Brown, (615) 874-5288
RICHMOND, Va. -- The National Federation of Independent Business, Virginia's largest small-business advocacy group, today named Bert Dodson its 2006 Small-Business Champion in Virginia. Dodson, owner of Dodson Bros. Exterminating Co. in Lynchburg, serves on NFIB/Virginia's Leadership Council, which advises the organization on public-policy initiatives impacting small business. He also has been instrumental in organizing NFIB/Virginia's Lynchburg Area Action Council, a grassroots activist group connecting small-business owners to legislators.
"Bert Dodson firmly believes in the role small business plays in our economy and communities, and backs it up with his words and actions," NFIB/Virginia State Director Gordon Dixon said. "When NFIB looked to launch a grassroots group in his community last year, Bert unhesitatingly called on fellow business leaders to join and enthusiastically helped coordinate these important meetings."
Earlier this year, Dodson and his family established the NFIB-B.F. Dodson Family Free Enterprise Scholarship, an annual $1,000 award that will go to successful young entrepreneurs attending Dodson's alma mater, Brookville High School in Lynchburg. Dodson also interviews with media about small-business issues, including his No. 1 concern as an entrepreneur – access to affordable health insurance.
A councilman in Lynchburg, Dodson stays active politically and volunteers his time to support pro–small-business candidates.
