SPOKANE, Wash. — The Washington State Small Business Development Centers introduced U.S. Rep. George R. Nethercutt Jr. to one of its Spokane classes recently as a “Champion of Small Business.” The designation was awarded by the Small Business Survival Committee, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that rates members of Congress on their voting records, and works to influence legislation and policies that help to create a favorable and productive environment for small businesses and entrepreneurship.
The congressman from eastern Washington’s 5th District attended a December meeting of an entrepreneurship class, offered by the Spokane SBDC to enhance the management skills of business owners. He spoke about his own experiences in business, then talked with class members about their companies.
To receive the “Champion of Small Business” rating, members of Congress must vote with the position of the Survival Committee at least 80 percent of the time. Nethercutt received a 93 percent rating. Other members of Congress receiving high ratings include U.S. Reps. “Doc” Hastings, from central Washington’s 4th District, and Jennifer Dunn, of the 8th District in eastern King and Pierce counties.
The state Small Business Development Centers is a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Washington State University’s College of Business and Economics and other Washington institutions of higher education and economic development organizations. The SBDC works with small businesses by providing no-cost counseling, online assistance through its Netcounseling technology, business seminars and workshops, and other research and online resources.
Web sites:
Washington Small Business Development Centers: www.wsbdc.org
WSU College of Business & Economics: www.cbe.wsu.edu
Small Business Survival Committee: www.sbsc.org
