NFIB

Helping businesses become environmentally safe is the primary goal of SAS Environmental. Based in Akron, SAS has provided environmental services for businesses since 1995 and they now have 19 employees. More specifically, SAS is an environmental consulting firm specializing in environmental site assessments, facility audits, remediation systems design and operation, landfill services, and regularity compliance. For the last seven years SAS has been an NFIB member and they realize the importance of having someone fighting for small business.

"I was first attracted to NFIB because -- unlike other business lobbyists that do the bidding of the big boys, taking positions often times at odds with small businesses -- NFIB focuses on the concerns and challenges of operating a small business," owner of SAS Douglas W. Schwan said. "NFIB helps us keep informed of pending legislation that effects our operations. NFIB provides useful information regarding where our elected representatives stand on the issues that impact business."

Not only does Schwan like the work NFIB does for its members, but he also likes to do his part in supporting NFIB and small business. SAS has been able to sponsor some NFIB events and they also want to help find ways to increase membership for the organization in the future. Increasing NFIB membership is a key aspect in getting more support for small business.

"SAS has been able to sponsor Area Action Council luncheons that bring in speakers on topics of interest to small businesses," Schwan said. "SAS is also assisting NFIB as they attempt to work with legislators to streamline and systematize the state regulatory process. We would also be interested in efforts to increase NFIB membership; there are a lot of businesses that should be more active."

SAS works with NFIB to help small business because they, like other businesses, face an ever-increasing number of challenges. One of the biggest concerns for SAS is Ohio's tax rates and structure. Like most businesses, SAS values the concept of lowering taxes in order to free up resources that businesses could reinvest in equipment and operations that would ultimately allow them to create more jobs.

Even with all the challenges that are associated with running a business, Schwan still enjoys the benefits of being a business owner and providing satisfaction to the customer.

"Being a business owner provides the opportunity to influence a team to achieve the goal of customer satisfaction by designing systems and procedures that facilitate successful project fruition," Schwan said.