08/ 01/ 2008
NFIB works tirelessly to represent small business in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals, but the bulk of its strength comes from small business activists in the trenches who fight the everyday battles that keep entrepreneurship thriving in their communities. That’s why Solveras and NFIB came together this year to present the Solveras/NFIB Small Business Champion awards. In its fifth year, the Small Business Champion award program recognizes small business activists at the state and national levels. Read on to learn more about this year’s national winners--business owners who have not only given their time and resources to promote small business, but also demonstrate a spirit of service to their communities and a commitment to advancing the cause of free enterprise. For complete profiles of these winners, visit the "Web Extras" section of www.NFIB.com/toolsandtips.
Most Valuable Player
Ohio business owner gives time and talent to represent small business
Bill Thornton, owner of Lebanon, Ohio-based Thornton & Associates, isn’t content to sit on the sidelines. If there’s a small business issue at stake--whether it’s workers’ compensation policies, legal reform or the tax burden--he is more than willing to share his opinion with lawmakers at legislative meetings. If a teacher needs help explaining entrepreneurship to students, Thornton is more than happy to bring his experiences to the classroom.
"Small businesses are vital to our economy and to our communities," Thornton says. "As business owners, we have an important role to play."
Spurring Entrepreneurship
Indiana business owner devotes her expertise to helping fellow entrepreneurs
Giving back is second nature to Catherine Popp Hoffman, owner of Zionsville, Ind.-based HB Capital. Through the years, Popp Hoffman has devoted her life and legal expertise to helping countless Indiana entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
In 2003, Popp Hoffman started a venture capital business dedicated to creating new jobs in Indiana through creative financing and leveraging of the federal New Market Tax Credit program. In four short years, the HB Capital joint venture has facilitated financing for a $6.5 million paper manufacturing facility in Marion, Ind.; a $10 million expansion for a 40-year-old family-owned advanced gasket technology manufacturing company in Indianapolis; a $6 million office building for a Bloomington, Ind., venture capital company that manufactures and develops advanced technology proton cancer treatment facilities; and a family-owned $20 million water park in French Lick, Ind. As a result of these efforts, 400 new jobs have been created across Indiana.
Giving Back
Florida business owner balances activism with running two businesses
With two companies to run--Telcom Corporation and Telcare Corporation--Bobra Bush has her hands full, but this Boca Raton, Fla., business owner doesn’t let that keep her from standing up for small business wherever she goes.
As a member of Florida’s Leadership Council, Bush often travels to Tallahassee to campaign on the issues. She’s also worked to build relationships with local lawmakers, giving her a reputation as a key voice for small business in the state.
An NFIB member for more than 13 years, Bush has never been shy about speaking up and rallying support for small business. Since 1996, she has attended every National Small Business Summit, and in 2000, her passion for politics and policy led her to run for a seat in the Florida House.
Daring to Dream
Idaho business owner fights battles with optimism
For Idaho business owner Billy Knorpp, setbacks are nothing but opportunities in disguise.
After years of working for corporate giant Hewlett Packard, Knorpp saw his career get swept away in an instant during a wave of downsizing, but he didn’t wallow in his misfortune. Instead, he poured his energy into building the Boise-based RVP Systems, a 17-employee firm that sells point-of-sale systems, cash registers and credit card processing systems.
Since joining the ranks of NFIB, Knorpp has used his optimism and ingenuity to further the cause of small business. He regularly visits the state capitol to share his perspective with lawmakers, and his testimonies have been known to sway even the most skeptical legislator to his side.
"Thousands of Idaho small business owners who have never met Billy owe him a debt of gratitude," says Suzanne Budge, NFIB/Idaho state director.
This article is from the August/September 2008 issue of MyBusiness.
