04/17/2008
CONTACT: Mandy Minick, 614-221-4107
National Federation of Independent Business recognizes member for leadership
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The National Federation of Independent Business today named Bill Thornton, owner of Thornton & Associates in Lebanon, the winner of the 2008 Solveras/NFIB Small Business Champion Award for Ohio. Thornton, an NFIB member since 1981, has participated in the group's many opportunities for leadership and involvement in small business issues facing state and federal lawmakers. Specifically, Thornton has participated in legislative meetings about such crucial small business issues as workers' compensation policies, legal reform and taxes. He also has served on the NFIB Board of Directors and was a charter member and chairperson of the Warren/Butler County NFIB Area Action Council. In addition, Thornton is actively involved with NFIB's Take Time to Teach initiative to introduce high school students to the concept of entrepreneurship.
Each year, NFIB/Ohio names one Small Business Champion from among its membership of 25,000 Ohio small businesses. This individual not only gives of his/her time and resources to promote small business causes through involvement in NFIB activities, but also he/she must demonstrate a spirit of service toward the community and a commitment to advancing the concept of free enterprise.
"We are proud to name Bill Thornton the Solveras/NFIB Small Business Champion for 2008 in recognition of his outstanding efforts and commitment to small business," said Vice President/Executive Director of NFIB/Ohio Roger R. Geiger. "He is a tireless advocate for small businesses in Ohio and across the country. He is always ready and willing to go to bat for the cause whether it means traveling to Columbus to testify before the legislature, traveling to Washington, D.C., to attend board meetings or working with the local schools to help instill the entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation. We couldn't ask for a more enthusiastic, dedicated and dependable person to help us carry the banner for free enterprise."
"Small businesses are vital to our economy and to our communities. As business owners, we have an important role to play and I appreciate that NFIB has always given us the tools and opportunities we need to make our voices heard," said Thornton. "I've always enjoyed being a part of NFIB, and it's an honor to receive this award."
Although Thornton currently operates a consulting service, he spent many years at the helm of Thornton Gardens, one of the area's largest garden store, nursery and landscaping businesses. In this role, he and his team helped to develop an innovative, new software program designed to help landscaping businesses keep track of inventory, labor costs and pricing.
