Congressman
Vern Buchanan |
Pensacola, FL – The Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDCN) is pleased to announce the selection of Congressman Vern Buchanan as its Ninth Annual Small Business Dividend$ Award winner. Annually, the award honors a Floridian whose service to the state has supported legislation vital to the state’s small business community and its economic success.
Congressman Buchanan’s support is impressive and clearly demonstrates the priority he places on small business and economic development. Representing the 13th Congressional District of Florida, Congressman Buchanan serves on the Small Business, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees. |
Named the Ranking Member on the Finance and Tax Subcommittee, he worked to keep taxes low and increase the availability of capital to boost the economy and create jobs. Through his support of the Economic Growth Bill, the small business expensing limit increased and allowed for additional depreciation deductions. His pro-business votes supported greater resources and training for veterans to become entrepreneurs. Promotion of small business is evidenced further by his active participation in and encouragement of constituents to testify in support of tax simplification, reform and incentives; S-corporation reforms; tax deferred and interest accrued disaster savings accounts; and lowering energy costs.
“It is clear through Congressman Buchanan’s past and present actions that he is keenly aware of the importance of small business success to creating jobs and getting the economy back on track,” said Jerry Cartwright, FSBDCN State Director. “Just recently, he called for the House to pass the ‘Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act’ which includes the expansion the Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Women Business Centers and other small business support services.”
FSBDCN staff used 15 specific small business issue votes from the second session of the 110th Congress to determine the 2009 Dividend$ winner, and his voting record was 93% positive. Congressman Buchanan’s legislative sponsorship, advocacy support and votes clearly support a positive business environment in Florida and are widely recognized. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has seen the importance that he places on small business and honored his work with their prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award in 2007 and 2008.
The Dividend$ Award will be presented to Congressman Buchanan at a special event in Sarasota, Florida.
Past Dividend$ award winners are Ileana Ros-Lehtinen 2008, John Mica 2007, Bill Nelson 2006, Ander Crenshaw 2004, Bob Graham 2003, Bill Young 2002, Connie Mack 2001 and Andy Ireland 2000.
The Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network of 34 centers, is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosted by the University of West Florida and accredited through the national Association of SBDCs. For over 30 years, the FSBDCN has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses, and economic prosperity for the state. To learn more about the FSBDCN or to find an SBDC near you, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org or call 1.866.737.7232.
|
