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Janel Knight Trulear
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Over 300 Small Business Leaders Sign Open Letter Urging Support for Election Integrity and American Democracy

Small business owners across the country and in key battleground states call on elected officials and civic leaders to support fundamental principles of American democracy

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2024 – More than 300 of the nation’s small business owners, organizations, and chambers of commerce are joining together to promote fair and secure elections and to urge leaders across the country to stand against the growing threat of political violence.

Ahead of the November election, small business owners from key battleground states and across America have signed an open letter outlining nine critical principles that form the bedrock of election integrity and democratic trust. The signatories are not only committing to these principles themselves, but also urging elected officials, civic leaders, and business leaders to do the same.

Eighty-nine percent of small business owners surveyed indicate that “a well-functioning democracy is very important to a strong small business economy,” according to research from Small Business for America’s Future. Small business owners are also expressing concern that vote counting could become partisan in some states where election laws have been changed to give local officials more authority over election certification. In Georgia, for instance, 77% of small business owners say they are concerned such changes would lead to disputes over election certification that result in political and economic instability. 

READ THE FULL LETTER HERE. 

Surbina Collier, Owner, BayHaven Restaurant Group, Charlotte, North Carolina, said:

“North Carolina has been named the best state for business in the country, and it’s not hard to see why. Our state is a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. But our success isn’t guaranteed—it’s built on a foundation of democratic values that ensure transparency, stability, and fair competition. A well-functioning democracy is essential for economic growth and this election season, it’s clear that business leaders have a critical role to play in supporting free and fair elections.”

Walt Rowen, President of Susquehanna Glass Co., Columbia, Pennsylvania 
Economic strength is intertwined with the strength of our democratic institutions. Fair elections aren’t just a cornerstone of our democracy—they're vital for creating the stable, predictable environment that allows businesses to thrive. When election integrity is undermined, it creates uncertainty that can ripple through our entire economy, affecting everything from consumer confidence to investment decisions. That’s why I believe it's crucial for business leaders to stand up for free and fair elections. By safeguarding our democratic processes, we're not only upholding our values, we're also protecting the foundation of our economic prosperity.”

Gabe Hagan, Co-Owner, BrickRoad Coffee, Tempe, Arizona, said:

“As business leaders, we’re not just part of our local economies; we’re trusted voices within our communities. We have a responsibility to use that trust to push back against misinformation and to speak up when our democracy is threatened. My business is dedicated to creating spaces that foster connection and honest dialogue, and that’s why I’m proud to join hundreds of other business owners across the country” 

Daniel Guerra, Altus, Inc, Madison, Wisconsin, said:

“Fair and secure elections are the foundation upon which trust in our institutions is built, and without that trust, our economy suffers. Political violence and attacks on election integrity undermine the environment that small businesses need to thrive. By standing up for these principles, we are not only supporting democracy, but we are also investing in the long-term stability of our communities.”

Katrina Golden, Owner, Lil Mama Sweets and Treats, Augusta, Georgia, said:

“Election integrity is more than a political issue; it’s an economic one. Businesses need a reliable and predictable environment to operate effectively. When elections are chaotic or contested, it creates uncertainty that can hurt investments, disrupt markets, and erode consumer confidence. For a state like Georgia, which is on track to become one of the largest economies in the country, maintaining a stable democratic process is crucial. That’s why I’m alarmed by recent actions taken by the State Election Board, just weeks before a critical election, which have altered established election procedures. We need business leaders to stand up and speak out, and I’m glad to be doing that with hundreds of other business owners across the country in this letter.”

To read the full letter and see the complete list of signatories, click here.

To request an interview with any of these business owners, contact Janel Knight Trulear at (617) 875-6581 or janel@emccommunications.com. 

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About Small Business for America’s Future

Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF.