NFIB

Bruce Berke, a veteran of government affairs work with the New Hampshire Legislature, was named the New Hampshire state director of the National Federation of Independent Business in January 2005.

"Bruce brings to NFIB a wealth of knowledge and experience in the legislative and government affairs arenas," said Tim Goodrich, NFIB regional director of public policy. "In addition to that, he has started his own business so he knows first hand the impact some legislation will have on a company's bottom line."

"I am looking forward to working with New Hampshire's small-business community and representing their concerns before the state Legislature," Berke said. "As NFIB's state director, it is my goal to bring NFIB's strong voice for small business to New Hampshire for a positive business environment throughout the state."

Berke began his government relations career in 1980 as a college intern in New Hampshire's government. His early roles included policy assistant to legislative leaders and roles in various campaigns. He started his lobbying experience in 1988 with BIA and in 1991 he founded Capitol Consultants of N.H., a lobbying firm he operated for 10 years before merging with Sheehan, Phinney, Bass + Green.

Berke and Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group have represented business clients before the Legislature in many subject matters, including taxes, environmental regulations, human resource issues, health care and legal reforms.

Berke lives in Bow with his wife, Nancy, and their two boys, Edward and Hunter.