11/03/2006
CONTACT: Jim Brown, (615) 874-5288
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Valerie Hughes |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The National Federation of Independent Business, the leading small-business advocacy group in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee, has named Valerie Hughes its grassroots coordinator for all three states. Hughes will manage grassroots activity in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee, including NFIB member meetings, to encourage greater activism and participation in the public-policy making process.
"Valerie Hughes is a great addition who will help NFIB members in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee connect with key decision-makers at the state and federal levels," Southeast Region Public Policy Director Russell Palk said. "Valerie has a great track record in public policy, and we're looking forward to her helping our members have more success in three states that are known for their activism."
In Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee, NFIB has established 14 grassroots Area Action Councils, where NFIB members convene to give direct feedback to state and federal legislators and officials in the many communities. In Alabama, NFIB has launched AACs in Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery and the Wiregrass. In Mississippi, AACs are up and running in the Gulf Coast, Jackson, Southaven and Tupelo. Tennessee AACs have been formed in Chattanooga, Jackson, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville and the Tri-Cities.
Hughes worked previously as marketing director for Drs. Tom and Mary Cay Koen in Hendersonville, Tenn. Prior to that, she was a legislative liaison with the Tennessee Department of Economic Development.
She earned hers master's degree in business administration from Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., and received her bachelor's degree in business administration from Lambuth University in Jackson, Tenn.
