Rep. Stephens to 'Champion' Small Business

State Rep. Todd Stephens of Horsham knows first-hand the challenges small business owners face. His mother has operated Timber Edge Farm for more than four decades. 

So, when a Montgomery Township constituent and marketing professional struck up a conversation with Stephens about the challenges small business owners face, Stephens (R-151), could relate.

"Really a lot of it comes down to communication," Stephens said. "They don't know where they turn to when there's an issue. There's no real central location."

It is Stephens' hope that that's where he can fit in. Since his initial door-knocking interaction, Stephens has formed a Small Business Advisory Council comprised of a cross-section of more than a dozen small business owners spanning Stephens' six-municipality legislative district, with the exception of Horsham Township.

Because of "scheduling snafus," Stephens said he was unable to speak to the Greater Horsham Chamber of Commerce members until Wednesday night. After leading an informal discussion with about two dozen small business owners, Stephens told Patch on Wednesday that he hopes to add one or two Horsham business owners to the mix. 

So far, he said the council is represented by various industries, including contractors, marketing professionals, financial planners, attorneys, and restaurant owners. The informal body has met twice so far with Stephens.

Stephens' goal, he said, is to see "how Harrisburg can help," which he said could mean simply sharing pertinent information with the advisory council, hosting town hall meetings with the small business community, or introducing and being willing to "champion" new legislation.

"There are programs available for small businesses," Stephens said. "But, if they don't know about them, what good are they?"

Ann Conlin of Conlin's Digital Print and Copy Center, which operates two other locations in addition to Horsham, said competing with chain print and copy stores is a concern, as are health care costs for 55 employees.

Conlin, like many in attendance, expressed an interest in learning more about the outcomes of the council. 

"Rep. Stephens seems really interested in doing anything he can to help small businesses," Conlin said. 

Mary Dare, Greater Horsham Chamber of Commerce co-founder and executive vice president, said Stephens' advisory council will allow the local small business community to have a "voice" on issues.

"Many of our small businesses do not have governmental relations departments, HR departments, benefit counselors, in house accountants or in house legal services, marketing professionals, etc. but are faced with making major decisions without the benefit of having adequate advice," Dare said. 

To learn more about Stephens' Small Business Advisory Council

Stephens is seeking one or two Horsham small business owners to join his newly formed Small Business Advisory Council. The informal body meets every six to eight weeks with Stephens and discusses issues impacting businesses, as well as potential solutions. Letters of interest and resumes can be emailed to Michael Thom, Stephens' director of policy and legislation at mthom@pahousegop.com.