Letter: Small business, big results

Small businesses make up the majority of firms in the Baton Rouge area and create a significant number of jobs. Growth in the region’s economy will be led by small businesses.

As a small-business owner, I got involved to make a difference. Last year I became the chairman of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Small Business Council, and I’d like to share what we have done.

In 2011, a survey of small-business owners revealed that advocacy, professional development education and networking events were the top three priorities for engagement with BRAC. We followed suit to lead in these areas.

Our advocacy committee began its work during the 2011 legislative session, focusing on state issues that directly affect small businesses. A big win was the Angel Investor Tax Credit, which has helped entrepreneurs seek new investments.

During the 2012 legislative session, we partnered with other business associations on numerous pieces of pro-small-business legislation. We worked with the National Federation of Independent Business for our biggest win, House Bill 989, which will give small-business owners a better understanding of their health-insurance costs through increased transparency. Through the rest of this year, the advocacy committee will continue to focus on informing members of pressing state and federal business issues.

Last year, our education committee began a partnership with SCORE of Baton Rouge to offer small-business education seminars. The workshop topics are driven by input from our members, and have included social media, brand management and state-tax incentives for small businesses.

We’re looking forward to an upcoming seminar focusing on new and exciting applications of “cloud” technology.

Finally, we’re looking forward to events in the pipeline this year that offer networking opportunities. Building on the successes of the Small Business Education Series, Innovation Take-Out and Tech Tuesday, we’re rolling out a new event called BRAC Connect.

This event will provide opportunities for small-business owners to make meaningful connections with other members of the small-business community. BRAC and others will also put on the second annual Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week in the fall.

As a small-business owner and member of the BRAC board of directors, I encourage other small-business owners to join with our Small Business Council in making the Baton Rouge area a great place to do business.

Clay Pinson, chairman

BRAC Small Business Council

Baton Rouge

Comments

1) Comment by jdk944 - 06/07/2012

Straight Shooter - I guess you just wanted to give your "uninformed' opinion about a topic you know nothing about, yea I/we got it!!

2) Comment by Straight Shooter - 06/07/2012

After listening to recent hyperbole comments from a new small business chamber in town, Mr. Pinson's simple and informative letter brings relief and optimism to this small business owner. Although I'm not a member of BRAC, I'm glad that there is a clear choice between innovation, hands-on training, and advocacy without a hidden agenda, and the ego-driven old guard that is only concerned with a political agenda to meet their own ends (politically and financially). The networking opportunities and "cloud" technology seminar sounds like these guys have it to together and offer a substantial benefit to all small companies, not just ones who are obligated to follow an agenda drafted by a few who are desperate for control and attention.

3) Comment by jdk944 - 06/07/2012

Correction, I referred to Clay a couple times in my comments as Craig. Sorry about that Clay. 8point6, thanks. It's just disappointing. The BR Chamber needs to go back to the understanding of why Chambers were originally formed in the 1st place. Here is a clue, NOT to predominantly promote the agenda of Big Business or a city!!

4) Comment by 8point6 - 06/07/2012

jdk944: You're comments kinda shot holes in this letter. Sounds like the "Chamber" has no problem with spending other peoples' money.

5) Comment by jdk944 - 06/07/2012

Furthermore, maybe Craig would like to explain how the Chamber can truly represent small business when they get around $500,000 a year to "promote" the city and it's agenda. Like this chamber supporting CATS tax, new library downtown, ALIVE project and were against the new SE school district, just to name a few. No thanks, they DON'T represent me in anyway!!

6) Comment by jdk944 - 06/07/2012

I know Craig, served with him early part of last year on the committee he chairs. He seems like a nice guy but is still clueless. I NEVER saw Clay at any BR Chamber activities before the early part of last year!! I and others spoke to Clay about our concerns. While I commend him for his effort and I DON’T think his points are meaningless, they AREN’T the priorities for small business owners based on my experience in working directly, 1 on 1 with small business owners, with and through the chamber for several years.