LANSING – The Small Business Association of Michigan named State Representative Brian Calley as the organization’s 2008 Legislator of the Year. Rep. Calley was presented the honor at SBAM’s June 19 annual meeting and networking luncheon in East Lansing.
SBAM President and CEO Rob Fowler says Calley is a promising elected official who fights for small business.
�??Brian knows better than anyone that the last few years in this state have been rough on business,�?� Fowler said. �??And as a pro-business legislator he is, unfortunately, outnumbered in Lansing. But if we can elect more leaders like him, there will be hope for better policy for small business in the future.�?�
Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor of The Detroit News, was named SBAM�??s 2008 Communicator of the Year. Finley was cited for outstanding service in providing fair and accurate writing and reporting on issues of concern to the small business community.
�??Nolan Finley is one of the nation�??s rare editorial voices that consistently supports free enterprise and economic freedom,�?� Fowler says. �??His columns and editorials attacking the Sales Tax on Services were influential in rallying support for repeal.�?�
SBAM presented its 2008 Advocate of the Year Award to David Rhoa, President of Lake Michigan Mailers in Kalamazoo.
�??Not only is David an active member of the SBAM Board, the Legislative Action Council and the Small BIZ PAC Committee, he also testified at hearings on the infamous two-penny plan sales tax hike, the Sales Tax on Services, and before a House Republican task force on red tape in government,�?� said Fowler.
�??During the sales tax debates, David was quoted in the media and was a true leader on this issue. David also stood out by supporting SBAM�??s efforts to elect pro-small business legislators to serve in Lansing. By volunteering his time and his efforts both in Lansing and his local community, in addition to running a successful business, David stands as a shining example of what it means to be a small business advocate.�?�
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