05/01/2008
CONTACT: Bill G. Smith, 608-255-6083 or Jason Brewer, 202-406-4435
Assemblyman Robin Vos has taken small business background to fight for change in Madison
MADISON, Wis. -- After years of political activism and recruiting pro-small business candidates to run for office, Robin Vos decided to take his own advice in 2004 and ran for the state Assembly. Now in his second term, Vos continues to grow the business he has run since 1996 -- RoJo's Popcorn Company -- while pushing an agenda in the Capitol to improve the climate for small employers all across Wisconsin. Because of his activism and leadership on behalf of his fellow small business owners, Vos was named Wisconsin Solveras/NFIB Small Business Champion by Wisconsin's leading small business association, the National Federation of Independent Business.
Each year, NFIB selects a small business owner in each of the 50 states for special recognition and honors him or her with its prestigious Small Business Champion of the Year award.
"For over a decade, Robin Vos has helped make a difference from both outside and now inside the Capitol as an advocate for Wisconsin's job creators," said Bill G. Smith, NFIB/Wisconsin state director. "In addition to growing a business, Robin has always taken the extra step to advocate on behalf of his fellow entrepreneurs."
RoJo's Popcorn is a true family-owned and operated business, with Robin's mother the vice president in charge of accounts payable, and his father a frequent addition to the labor force in the factory. The company was purchased by Vos in 1996 and started with just two employees, and has since grown to almost 20. Since he acquired the company, Vos has experienced a tremendous growth in sales due to new product offerings and an emphasis on quality and customer satisfaction.
Vos joined NFIB the same year he purchased the company and is a 10-year member of NFIB's Leadership Council. Vos says he values his membership in NFIB, "When I chose to be involved in an organization to protect my interests in governmental affairs, I knew that no one has more clout than NFIB."
As a legislator, Vos is tackling the tax and regulatory burden his fellow small business owners tell him is so frustrating. He also knows first hand the rising cost of healthcare, and is working on solutions to help small employers lower their healthcare costs.
"Robin's background as a small business owner and member of NFIB make him a powerful voice for the small business community in the Capitol," Smith said. "We are lucky to have him working for us in Madison, and proud to recognize his support for his fellow employers across Wisconsin as our 2008 Small Business Champion."
