06/19/2006
You already know how critical your voice and your vote are to the success of your business. But what about your employees? Do they know how much of a difference they can make?
Small business is the engine that drives the nation’s economy, as the greatest job creator and backbone of communities across the country. Laws and regulations that affect small business don't just affect the owner—they affect employees, too. Because the success of a small business allows the owner to offer higher wages and better benefits, it is critical that employees stay informed about issues that affect their business.
In recent elections, NFIB has had great success in electing pro-small-business candidates and policies, largely through the commitment of our members. Enlisting the support of small-business employees is key as we continue the momentum.
Activating employees as members of the small-business community can mean taking simple like making sure they are all registered to vote and ensuring they understand which candidates support your business and industry. As employees learn more about the issues and their lawmakers, their votes may help ensure a small-business majority in Washington and every state capital.
"I really think it's every citizen's privilege, right and responsibility to vote," said Charlie Birney, a small-business owner from Edgewater, Md. As a leader in the business community, he organized "Drive the Vote," a golf-themed initiative he uses to educate many of his employees and customers about issues and candidates, as well as to register many of them to vote.
Many employers are hesitant about discussing political issues with their employees, but NFIB's Educating Your Employees manual can give you the tools to best communicate the issues to employees. Check out the Educating Your Employees video for advice from fellow small-business leaders.
Employers can post an informational bulletin board about candidates and issues, discuss campaign issues at staff meetings, or publish a newsletter.
"When you are a small-business owner, you can't help but get your employees involved in politics, as well as being involved yourself, because government is getting more and more intrusive," said Janis Herschkowitz, a small-business owner from Lebanon, Pa. "We have 122 employees, and if we can get them to understand the issues and write letters, we become more of a viable political force, not only in Washington, but in our state."
Many incumbents who have been great allies to small business in Congress are in tight races for reelection, so NFIB is doing everything it can to help them secure victory. It is important that the small-business community activates to ensure that its voice is heard in Washington.
"I do encourage my employees, my fellow business leaders, my family to pay attention to the issues and make their decision because their vote is going to count," said Karen Oertel, a small-business owner from Stevensville, Md. "We as business need to be heard, we need to speak to the issues, and need to explain to decisionmakers to let them know the impact of your business."
To learn more about getting active in your community, check out NFIB.com/politics as we head towards this critical Election Day.
