Biggert Brings in Feds to Aid Small Businesses Arranges Roundtable for Area Chambers of Commerce

Press Release

Biggert Brings in Feds to Aid Small Businesses Arranges Roundtable for Area Chambers of Commerce

U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) today arranged for federal officials from several key agencies to share with local small businesses ways to weather the economic downturn. The roundtable event was hosted by the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce and attended by business leaders from communities including Naperville, Tinley Park, Lemont, Downers Grove, Romeoville, and Oak Brook.

"Small businesses drive this economy and are responsible for the majority of new jobs," said Biggert, a former small business owner herself. "We need to make sure they have access to all the tools available to help weather the storm and grow. From financing exports to loan guarantees, to assistance in reducing energy consumption - these agencies can offer some very useful resources, and we want to put them in touch with our community businesses."

In attendance were representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Administration (SBA), the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Export - Import Bank of the United States, and the Fox Valley and Chicago Chapters of SCORE, an SBA-affiliated small business counseling service.

"The Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to be hosting our Congresswoman Judy Biggert here in our community for such an important topic," said Michael A. Evans, Executive Director of the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce. "We appreciate the dedication Rep. Biggert has shown to ensuring that adequate resources are available to small business owners in the 13th Congressional District as they face uncertain economic challenges."

Following a discussion of the Chicago suburban economic environment, attendees were given a detailed explanation of the federal resources available to help them recover from recent setbacks or even grow new business while creating jobs. One highlight was an announcement regarding Biggert's successful push to establish regional ‘satellite' office hours for SCORE, where local businesses can get sound economic and management advice from former executives. The potential impact on small businesses of pending legislation also was discussed, most notably the effect that proposed tax increases might have on small business owners and the impact of the Death Tax on family-owned businesses.

"In this economic environment, we should be doing everything we can to support small businesses - not undermine them," said Biggert. "If any other business owners would like to learn more about these programs, my office is always happy to help get them in touch with the right agency."

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