05/26/2006
CONTACT: Mandy Minick, (614) 221-4107
Local entrepreneurs participate in small-business advocacy efforts
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Local business owners in the Marietta area recently elected Rick Walters of Dietz, Futrell and Walters Insurance to serve as chairman of the NFIB Marietta Area Action Council. Walters, whose business is located in Beverly, has been an NFIB member since 1989.
"I appreciate the opportunity that we have through the Area Action Council to work with other small-business owners in our region in order to ensure that our ideas and concerns are heard by legislators at both the state and federal levels of government," said Walters. "Issues like health care and taxes are crucial to the survival of small businesses in Ohio and across the county. As these topics are discussed—and particularly once the campaign season gets into full swing—it's important that business owners are represented in the dialogue. AAC meetings give us an opportunity not only to learn about the issues, but also to meet with the elected officials who determine how our businesses will be affected."
"Area Action Councils are an effective way for small-business owners to get involved in the decision-making process and make their voices heard," said Ty Pine, state director of NFIB/Ohio. "Rick is a great asset to our organization and I look forward to working with him as he heads up local meetings and helps members stay on top of issues that are relevant to their businesses."
The Marietta AAC is part of a network of grassroots activism groups organized by NFIB/Ohio. Similar groups have been formed in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Huron/Erie Counties, Richland County, Shelby County, Toledo, Warren/Butler Counties, Youngstown, Licking County, Athens, Pickaway-Ross Counties, Lima, Stark County and Northwest Ohio including Williams, Fulton, Defiance and Henry counties.
