01/28/2008
NFIB member attends State of the Union events as small-business representative
CONTACT: Jason Brewer, 202-406-4435 (office) or 517-420-1335 (cell)
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Jim Barnard was planning to listen closely to this year's State of the Union address to hear what kind of tax proposals might affect his small business -- he just didn't envision viewing the address from the first lady's box at the U.S. Capitol. Barnard was chosen as a representative of small business to be the guest of first lady Laura Bush, and will also attend State of the Union activities at the White House prior to the president's final address.
"Michigan's economy has certainly seen better days, and we could use a boost from Washington that gives companies like mine the chance to invest in our business and, more importantly, put more people to work," Barnard said. "I know a number of small-business owners who are grateful the president is focusing a large part of his economic stimulus plan on small business, and I am excited to be their eyes and ears tonight during his address to Congress."
Barnard is the chief financial officer of Barnard Manufacturing, a production machine shop located in St. Johns. Barnard Manufacturing is a family-owned business started out of the garage by Barnard's father and his uncle. Today, the company has roughly 125 employees and specializes in the manufacturing of heavy equipment pivot pins, which are used in bulldozers and other heavy equipment.
As CFO of the family business, Barnard is keenly aware of the positive impact previous tax cuts have had for small employers like his. Barnard is hopeful that the provisions of the latest stimulus plan, pushed aggressively by NFIB, will be passed quickly to make it easier to invest in two new machines that will help grow the company and add new jobs.
In his final State of the Union, President Bush is expected to continue to push for a change in the tax code that would provide incentives for small employers to invest in new property and equipment. The President is also expected to focus on many other important small-business issues, including rising health care costs, which has been the No. 1 issue facing small-business owners since 1986.
"Small businesses like Barnard Manufacturing are adding the vast majority of new jobs in America, and it's vital that Congress work quickly to pass a stimulus plan that gives them the tools they need to expand and create new jobs," said NFIB President and CEO Todd Stottlemyer. "NFIB is proud to have the needs of the small-business community represented by one of our members at tonight's State of the Union."
Biographical info
Jim Barnard is the chief financial officer of Barnard Manufacturing, and a 10-year member of NFIB. He and his wife Patricia reside in St. Johns with their children Hillary and Joseph.
