NFIB had a seat at the table when Vice President Mike Pence met with small business owners and elected officials near St. Louis, Missouri, on Wednesday, Feb. 22.
Meeting with small business leaders in St Louis hearing their stories how federal regulations of the past and Obamacare are killing jobs. pic.twitter.com/03cDsSMerQ
— Vice President Pence (@VP) February 22, 2017
Before addressing employees of Fabick Cat, a Caterpillar equipment dealer in Fenton, Missouri, the vice president met privately with about 10 small business owners, including NFIB Missouri Leadership Council members Joe Balsarotti, Jim Henderson, and Jack Schroeder and NFIB Missouri State Director Brad Jones. Others at the table included Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens and U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner.
The entrepreneurs told the vice president and other elected officials at the meeting about how excessive regulations, taxes, and healthcare costs make it difficult for them to grow their companies and create jobs. “It was a candid and productive conversation,” Jones said. “It was clear to everyone at the table that this administration understands small business.”
Indeed, in his speech later that morning, Pence said, “Small businesses are the engine of our economy.”
“We’re rolling back taxes, and we’re rolling back red tape already in Washington, D.C…. When small business is strong, America is strong.” Click here to read the vice president’s remarks.
Henderson called the meeting with the vice president an honor and “a wonderful experience.”
“He understands the concerns of the small business community and assures us that President Trump does as well,” Henderson said. “I am very optimistic for the business climate for the next four years.”
Schroeder also was encouraged by the meeting. “I was so impressed with his sincere recognition of the plight of small business and the fact that he took very contemporaneous notes of each question asked of him,” he said. “The vice president was very sincere, attentive, and cordial to each business person he spoke with.”
Click on any photo below to launch a gallery from this event >>
