The NFIB Small-Business Summit, presented by Visa USA, is known for the powerful lineup of speakers anxious to address hundreds of small-business owners who come to Washington to make a difference. 2006 is no exception, with heavy-hitters from business and politics on the agenda for the National Federation of Independent Business' biennial event June 18-20.
Monday, June 19
Kicking off Monday's general session will be Todd Stottlemyer, who became NFIB's fifth president and CEO in February 2006. The veteran business executive came to NFIB understanding the needs and challenges of small business, and already he has led NFIB as it continues the fight for Small-Business Health Plan legislation and permanent death-tax repeal. Also speaking at Monday's general session will be NBC News Chief White House Correspondent David Gregory.
The keynote address at Monday's lunch program will be given by Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, who has focused on job growth since becoming governor in 2003. After organizing a long-range economic-development strategy group comprising state business and community leaders, Mississippi experienced the largest increase in net new jobs since 1999 and the largest jump in personal income since 1998.
Monday's afternoon session will feature U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson, Utah-2nd Dist., as well as an election overview by political pundits Charles Cook and Stuart Rothenberg.
Tuesday, June 20
President and CEO of eBay Meg Whitman opens Tuesday morning, sharing her expertise in brand building and consumer technology. Tuesday's guest speakers include U.S. Sens. Michael Enzi (Wyo.) and Ben Nelson (Neb.), who recently led the charge for Small-Business Health Plan legislation, and Karl Rove, deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to President Bush.
Leadership Trust meeting
The Leadership Trust, a group of distinguished business leaders supporting NFIB's efforts to elect pro-small-business candidates, is holding its annual meeting in conjunction with the Summit.
Mary Matalin, a political insider who served as assistant to President Bush and counselor to Vice President Dick Cheney, will speak in the keynote slot on Sunday. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will speak at lunch on Wednesday, and also will hold a signing for his book "Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America."
Leadership Trust members will enjoy an all-star political lineup, including guest speakers:
- U.S. Rep. Tom Reynolds, 26th Dist.-N.Y.
- U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy, 6th Dist-Minn.
- U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, N.C.
- Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, Md.
Visa Senior Vice President of economic analysis Wayne Best and NFIB Chief Economist Dr. Bill Dunkelberg will also share their thoughts on the current state of the small-business economy.
