The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) announced the retirement of Wisconsin State Director Bill G. Smith.

Smith began his NFIB career 46 years ago when he was named NFIB’s Government Affairs Representative for the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.  Later, he was named NFIB’s first full-time State Director for Wisconsin.

Under Smith’s leadership, NFIB grew to become “the leading small business organization in Madison” while earning Smith bipartisan recognition as “one of the most respected lobbyists in the Capitol.”

Along with a long list of lobbying successes in the Legislature, Smith played a key role over the years representing the state’s small business community serving on various commissions, committees and coalitions, including President, Wisconsin Civil Justice Council; President, Conference of Retail Associations; Chair, State Prison Industries Board; Chair, Coalition for Cost Effective Health Care; Co-Chair, Governor’s Task Force on Small Business Regulatory Reform; and Vice Chair, Wisconsin Economic Development Institute.

He was also a member of the Board of Directors and served as President of the Association of Wisconsin Lobbyists.

“It is important that small business has a respected voice in the development of public policy that impacts their ability to grow and be successful.  I am thankful to NFIB for the opportunity and the privilege of being that voice for our state’s small business community.  I also appreciate the experience of the coalitions I’ve led, and for the support of my colleagues in the lobbying community as together we’ve shared many common interests and important lobbying successes,” said Smith.

Looking back on his long career, Smith said, “I am truly grateful for the friendships made over my 46 year career including those with Governors, legislators, lobbyists, staff, media, and of course my colleagues at NFIB.  I am especially grateful for Wisconsin’s small business owners who trusted me with their support and honored me with their guidance and friendship throughout my career.”

NFIB will now begin the process to find the right person to continue Smith’s dedicated work in Wisconsin.