Small Business Leaders Back Sheheen in Response to Chamber Endorsement

Press Release

Today, Sheheen for South Carolina released the following statements from Sen. Sheheen and small business owners around the state in response to the endorsement announcement by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

"I have spent my career working to improve South Carolina's overall business climate by investing in education, supporting improvements to our state's infrastructure, and fighting against bad tax policies that have stunted business growth," Sheheen said. "Today's announcement by the state Chamber however is not surprising. The Chamber's announcement continues an unfortunate trend in their decision-making that favors big, out-of-state corporations at the expense of South Carolina's small businesses. While we must always continue to compete for new projects, if we ignore our own small businesses we will never be truly economically successful."

Scott Middleton: CEO, Agape Senior and member of SC Chamber Board of Directors

"Vincent Sheheen has proven time and again that he is the type of leader South Carolina needs, one who will put the best interests of the state ahead of politics. He has spoken out in favor of bringing South Carolina's tax dollars back here to protect our hospitals, create jobs, and help more working South Carolinians get access to affordable health insurance. When the Chamber needed leaders to speak out against the foolish, partisan nullification effort, it was Vincent Sheheen who spoke out for business interests, while Governor Haley played politics and stayed quiet. There is no doubt in my mind that the candidate best equipped to lead South Carolina's economy in the years ahead is Vincent Sheheen."

Barbara Blau: Founder and President, DP Professionals

"Over 95% of the businesses in South Carolina are classified as small businesses. They are the backbone of our economy and Vincent Sheheen understands this. I have worked closely with Senator Sheheen for years and have seen, firsthand, his commitment to South Carolina's small businesses. He understands that an effective long-term economic plan needs balance. The plan must continue bringing new companies into our state, but it must also include growing our small businesses. It is a fact that most big companies started out small. Senator Sheheen's vision is our best hope for a thriving economy in our great state."

Pete Gasca: CEO, Wild Creations

"Vincent has an understanding and appreciation for the important role education plays in driving our economy. His commitment to expanding 4-year-old kindergarten and investing in our next generation will have a profound impact on South Carolina's long-term economic future. Vincent is also deeply committed to supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed, so we can create jobs and businesses tied to and attached to our communities."

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