Dayton small business owner and 12-year NFIB member Clara Osterhage recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for NFIB’s annual Fly-In event. The event brings together small business owners from across the country to advocate for pro-growth legislation on Capitol Hill. In preparation for meeting with lawmakers, Clara joined a panel discussion to provide tips and best practices for owners:

“I was surprised by the openness of those politicians on the Hill,” she explained. “You sit in their offices, you may or may not actually have the politician, him or herself, but the staff, the openness and the willingness they seem genuinely interested in what we’re talking about with them. And I believe it’s a great opportunity to be able to express yourself and make relationships.”

Clara was joined by West Virginia small business owner Michael Ervin and NFIB VP of Grassroots Elizabeth Parks. The conversation explored how credit card swipe fees and Beneficial Ownership Information reporting are top concerns for their businesses. Listen to the full panel discussion here.