Manning Appointed Office Of Advocacy Region I Advocate; Will Work With Small Business, Associations, Legislators, Local Governments 6/3/2002
From: John McDowell of the U.S. Small Business Administration, 202-205-6941; E-mail: john.mcdowell@sba.gov WASHINGTON, June 3 -- Barbara H. Manning, who has served as SBA's acting associate administrator for communications and public liaison, is the new Office of Advocacy Regional Advocate for the federal government's Region I, covering Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. She 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. "Barbara Manning is a great addition to our team," said Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy. "Small business owners in New England have an outstanding advocate in Ms. Manning. Her experience as an advocate for small business and her skills in communications will allow her 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. Ms. Manning worked for 16 years in the U.S. Small Business Administration in a variety of capacities that allowed her to be an advocate for small business. As an assistant district director in Boston, she received the highest rating for management of her division. In addition to her prior work with the SBA, Ms. Manning has worked in the private sector as a senior accounting supervisor with Perkins and Will Architects in Washington, D.C. "I am pleased to be part of President Bush's team at the Office of Advocacy," said Manning. "I look forward to working closely with small businesses in New England 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. | |