Guests explain the importance of Small Business Days as a key part of NFIB’s state advocacy program
NFIB released its latest Small Business Rundown episode discussing Small Business Days and its importance to small businesses across the country. NFIB’s State Government Relations team represents small businesses in both Washington D.C., and all 50 states. Small Business Days are a key part of NFIB’s state program and allow NFIB members to meet with their lawmakers face-to-face to tell their stories and discuss legislative issues impacting their businesses.
Episode 27: “Small Business Days: Advocating at the State Level”
In Episode 27, Barbara Quandt, a former small business owner who is now an NFIB Region Director, shares her experiences attending Small Business Days when she was an owner and her path to becoming an NFIB employee. Tim Goodrich, NFIB Vice President of State Government Relations, and Elizabeth Parks, Senior Regional Grassroots Manager, explain why Small Business Days are important and what members planning to attend can expect.
Small Business Days are a unique opportunity for small business owners to meet with elected officials in their state capitols and discuss the issues impacting their businesses. “Small Business Days are an investment for your business,” said Parks. “They can be a jumping-off point beyond just talking with your state legislatures.”
Quandt, who owned a travel agency in Danville, Ind., credits NFIB for helping decipher legislation that affected her business and giving her an inside look at what goes on at the Indiana State House. “Small Business Days help you talk to other businesses in the same boat as you,” said Quandt. “It can be intimidating at first, but you are an expert in your business. It is critical to share your experiences.”
Goodrich added that it is tax season, and some states are dealing with a variety of issues. California, for example, went from a surplus of billions of dollars to being in the red. In Idaho, property tax assessments have increased 53%. “It is important to use Small Business Days to your advantage,” said Goodrich. “Work with your NFIB State Reps to maximize the effectiveness.”
Listen to hear more about the benefits of attending an upcoming Small Business Day and small business issues being discussed across the states. The podcast “Small Business Days: Advocating at the State Level” is available at Small Business Rundown Podcast – NFIB. To learn more about Small Business Day in your state, email [email protected] or go to NFIB.com/advocacy/choose-your-state.
