STATE:

Why NFIB

Take Action

Get Support

Stay Informed

Podcast Podcast

Careers Careers

Join Now

Home / News /

WATCH: NFIB Members Share Valuable Advocacy Tips

February 25, 2022

WATCH: NFIB Members Share Valuable Advocacy Tips

One highlight from Small Business Day in Nashville earlier this month was hearing from NFIB members who shared essential do’s and don’ts when engaging lawmakers. Panelists Connie Vaughan with McKee Foods, Hugh Morrow with Ruby Falls and Peter Demos with Demos Brands offered how they communicate on NFIB issues and matters that impact their businesses. Vaughan, a member of the NFIB Tennessee Leadership Council, said avoiding exaggeration and sticking to the facts is vital, as well as recognizing you may not get all that you want in legislation. “If you can get 80 percent of what you need (in a law), most of the time businesses can figure it out.” Morrow, former chair of the NFIB Tennessee Leadership Council, said lobbying starts in your hometown, not in Nashville, and to welcome lawmakers into your business. “Invite them to come to your office. They’ll always come because they want to meet their constituents.” Demos, who gave the declaration in the NFIB Small Business Legal Center’s friend-of-the-court filing challenging the Biden vaccine mandate in NFIB v. OSHA, said it’s critical to educate decision-makers. Avoid attempting to persuade or argue with them. “When you go there with the wrong attitude, thinking you’re smarter than they are, you may be, but it doesn’t matter. It’s still not going to get through.” Senior Grassroots Manager Elizabeth Parks moderated the panel discussion at Small Business Day, held on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at the Cordell Hull State Office Building in Nashville. Click here to learn more about this year’s live event.

Topics:

Uncategorized

State:

Tennessee

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More

May 29, 2026

Small Business Owners in Seven Counties May Apply for Disaster Relief

Small business owners affected by the April 20 wildfires in South Georgia can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administra…

May 27, 2026

New NFIB Industry-Specific Survey Shows Shift in Small Business Optimism

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 27, 2026) – The NFIB Research Center released an industry-specific quarterly Small Business Economic Trends survey highlighting the const…

A female handing over a yellow cedit card to another female while on the phone and outdoors

May 19, 2026

Small Businesses Oppose New Interim Final Rule on Credit Card Swipe Fees

NFIB sent a letter opposition to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) interim final rule on swipe fees.

Six adults in formal attire pose together; two men hold large framed certificates, while a woman in a pink blouse stands beside them in a reception-like room.

May 18, 2026

State Leaders Recognize NFIB Member Bo Carey from Loudon

Last week, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and State Rep. Lowell Russell honored NFIB member Bo Carey with a framed resolution for being named an NFIB Small Business Ch…

WATCH: NFIB Members Share Valuable Advocacy Tips

Related Articles