10/24/2008
CONTACT: Shawn Shouldice, 802-498-0059 or Jason Brewer, 202-406-4435
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Pictured with NFIB/Vermont State Director Shawn Shouldice (second from right) and Gov. James Douglas (second from left) are Jeff Virgil, manager of the Wayside Restaurant, and Paulette O'Bryan of Barre, Vt. |
MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Vermont's leading small business association -- the National Federation of Independent Business -- has endorsed Gov. James Douglas for reelection.
"Small business owners are worried about the economic turmoil we're facing and the decisions made in Montpelier that will affect our ability to get back on track," said NFIB Vermont State Director Shawn Shouldice. "Given the challenges that lie ahead, our members have resoundingly indicated that they want Jim Douglas at the helm for the next two years."
In a survey of its membership, 94 percent of NFIB members responding to a questionnaire indicated their support for Gov. Douglas in the upcoming election.
"Small business owners make tough decisions every day and they admire the bold decision making and leadership Governor Douglas has shown," said Shouldice. "Even when they've disagreed with him on a particular position, they admire the willingness to take on popular opinion and make the tough calls -- that's what makes Governor Douglas the top pick with job creators."
Small business owners also appreciate the direction the Douglas administration has taken in supporting entrepreneurship and job creation. Specifically, the governor's focus on affordable energy, private sector healthcare reform and regulatory relief that will make Vermont a more welcoming climate for new investment and job creation.
"The Legislature has pushed some radical and costly ideas on healthcare and energy that would really hit the small business community hard," said Shouldice. "Fortunately, Governor Douglas has been a strong counter-balance to those that would raise taxes and string more red tape for Vermont's small business community. Small business owners have given Governor Douglas a strong vote of confidence -- we need him in Montpelier to navigate our state in this difficult time."
Today's endorsement was made at the Wayside Restaurant in Montpelier, owned and operated by Karen and Brian Zecchinelli.
"We have always been grateful for Governor Douglas' patronage of our restaurant and his business policies that have helped us be successful. He is a real small business advocate," said Brian Zecchinelli.
NFIB will encourage its members to help turn out the influential small business voting block on Election Day. According to NFIB polling data, small business owners and their employees make up 43 percent of registered voters in America.
The endorsement comes from NFIB's Save America's Free Enterprise (SAFE) Trust, the organization's political action committee, and is based on the views of NFIB members on issues affecting small business.
