Hoyer celebrates National Small Business Week

U.S. Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md., 5th) marked National Small Business Week on April 11 by holding a roundtable luncheon in Clinton with representatives of the chambers of commerce from his district, which includes Anne Arundel, Prince George's, Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties.

Hoyer, according to a press release from his office, explained his initiatives to help small businesses, explained how federal issues affect local businesses and heard from chamber representatives about the challenges facing their members.

Hoyer called the policies being pursued by the Bush administration ‘‘the largest obstacle facing the future health of small business." The national debt stands at more than $8 trillion.

‘‘I remain committed to making the 5th Congressional District an incubator for small business entrepreneurs," Hoyer said in the release.

‘‘During this National Small Business Week," he continued, ‘‘it is important to both recognize the contributions small businesses make to our economy and recommit ourselves to pursuing polices that help small business owners and their employees reach the height of their potential."

Luncheon attendees included Lorrie Anderson of Country Florist, president of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce; Bill McKissick Jr. of Dugan, McKissick, Wood & Longmore LLC, chairman of the St. Mary's County Chamber of Commerce; Phil Riehl, a State Farm Insurance agent and chairman-elect of the St. Mary's chamber; and Kurt Barwis of St. Mary's Hospital, second vice president of the St. Mary's chamber.