Michael Hull Appointed Office Of Advocacy Region IX Advocate; Will Work Closely with Small Business, Legislators and Local Governments

6/3/2002

From: John McDowell of the Office Of Advocacy 202-205-6941 or john.mcdowell@sba.gov

WASHINGTON, June 3 -- Michael T. Hull, who has served as president and CEO of MT Horizons International, Inc., a company involved in small business management, financial services and PR consulting, is the new Office of Advocacy Regional Advocate for the federal government's Region IX, covering Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Guam. He will be the direct link between small business owners, state and local government agencies, state legislators, small business associations, and the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

"Michael Hull is a great addition to our team," said Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy. "Small business owners in the West have an outstanding advocate in Mr. Hull. His experience as an advocate for small business and his skills in financial services and communications will allow him to immediately contribute to the Office of Advocacy's role as the government office that stands between small business owners and unnecessary or overly burdensome government regulations," he continued.

At MT Horizons since 1999, Mr. Hull has worked with start-up companies to obtain angel financing, as well as managing small businesses and offering insurance services. His prior experience includes work in banking and international investment banking in the United States, Japan, and England, as well as press and public relations.

"I am pleased to be part of President Bush's team at the Office of Advocacy," said Hull. "I look forward to working closely with small businesses in Region IX and bringing their concerns to Washington."

Regional Advocates help identify new issues and concerns of small business owners. They also monitor the impact of federal and state policies on small business at the local level. They work closely with local government officials, state officials and legislators, and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to develop programs and policies that help, rather than hinder, small business growth.

For more information, visit the Office of Advocacy website at http://www.sba.gov/advo.

Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. The Chief Counsel for Advocacy, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers. Issues are identified through economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach. The Chief Counsel's efforts are supported by offices in Washington, D.C., and by Regional Advocates. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit http://www.sba.gov/advo, or call 202-205-6533.