Sep. 14, 2022
HARRISBURG – Reps. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) and Rob Mercuri (R-Allegheny) announced they were appointed to the Small Business Council by Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) for a term of two years.
“The success of small businesses is a critical component of our nation's economy,” said Gaydos who is a member of the House Commerce Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Small Business. “Having spent 25 years in the private sector as an entrepreneur and start up investor with a proven track record in building businesses, I am pleased to be appointed to a position where I can help play a greater role in fostering a healthier small business environment in Pennsylvania.”
“I am honored that Speaker Cutler chose me to take on this critical role,” said Mercuri. “This is timely for Pennsylvania as our small businesses across the state are experiencing unprecedented headwinds in a post-pandemic economy through record inflation, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. We need to engineer policies that alleviate these burdens and create a flourishing small business economy in Pennsylvania for the current and next generations. As a member of the House Commerce Committee, coupled with my experience as a small business owner and risk and finance executive in financial services, I look forward to providing insight on how we can continue our momentum in growing Pennsylvania's economy.”
With Rep. Gaydos’ background in small business ownership and Rep. Mercuri’s financial services background, Speaker Cutler says they were perfect choices to be a part of the council.
“Small businesses are often the backbone of our communities,” Speaker Cutler said. “The jobs they provide and the relationships they have with residents are part of what makes a place a home. Reps. Gaydos and Mercuri are the pulse of what leads to small business success, and their insight and advocacy can help benefit all Pennsylvanians.”
The council was established through
Act 12 of 2004 to assist with developing policies and regulations that might affect small businesses, which contain fewer than 100 employees. It consists of 13 members, 12 of which are appointed by the governor and General Assembly. Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development, Neal Fowler, serves as Chair. The council also gives advice on the nature of small business practices and problems and issues a review of existing policies and regulations relevant to small businesses.
In order to be eligible for appointment to the council, an individual must have a background in improving small businesses and be one of the following:
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A present owner or operator of a small business within the Commonwealth.
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A member of the academic community who has expertise regarding small business practices.
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A professional who specializes in representing small businesses.
Their terms with the Small Business Council will expire on Aug. 8, 2024.