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Conan Knoll
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Small Business Owners from Across the Country Condemn Assault on Democracy, Call for Accountability 

Small business owners join a growing chorus of business leaders condemning violence at the United States Capitol and asking lawmakers to hold Trump accountable 

Washington, D.C., Jan. 7, 2021—Wednesday’s events at the Capitol were a direct attack on democracy. Members of Small Business for America’s Future (SBAF) Small Business Advisory Council joined business leaders around the country in condemning the assault and calling for action to preserve America’s democracy and economy.  SBAF’s post-election survey of more than 1,000 small business owners found 73% believe Trump should participate in a peaceful transition of power.

Small business owner statements: 

Frank and Kimberlee Spillers, Co-Owners of Rural Community Solutions (Atlantic, Iowa): “We are heartsick, appalled, and disgusted at the attack on democracy taking place around this country. The president’s actions and words at his D.C. rally Wednesday incited a mob action that is not reflective of our country. Many small businesses in rural America are hurting due to the lack of leadership during the COVID crisis and this president continues to lie and spread false information about the election that directs efforts, focus, and resources away from small business and community economic recovery. As a business whose mission is to build civility, we demand that all our elected leaders provide the environment and take actions for a peaceful transition of power that is the cornerstone of our system of democracy.”

Candace Combs, CEO of In-Symmetry Spa & Combs Business Consulting (San Francisco, Calif.): "This was a disturbing and unacceptable assault on our democracy. We are better than what happened Wednesday and, during this unprecedented time, we need leaders who work to unite and strengthen us as a nation; leaders who can work with small businesses. Our country is built on the backs of small businesses and we cannot recover without them. We are hurting. The time for divisiveness is not now – not ever. We need help and we need it now!"

Joe Reddix, President & CEO of The Reddix Group, LLC (Hanover, Maryland): “Wednesday was a culmination of years of unchecking a movement of distrust in the democratic process and what democracy really means to all, including small businesses and inclusive opportunities. The current occupant at 1600 Pennsylvania simply tried to put a last nail in our diverse collective futures as a nation. It did not succeed!”

Daniel G. Guerra Jr., CEO of AltusLearn (Madison, Wisconsin): “As a small business owner and member of Small Business for America’s Future, I call on our elected officials to affirm a peaceful transition of power and have full faith in each state’s election results and election security. Confidence is essential. I continue to believe that the federal government needs to focus on providing resources and last-mile logistics to support the COVID-19 vaccine distribution and then discuss support for small business as we vaccinate the population to get back to normal. Lastly, we need confidence in our government and call on Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th amendment for the duration of Trump’s term.”

Jenay Aiksnoras, Owner of Lake Tahoe Yoga (Zephyr Cove, Nevada): “As a small business owner whose focus is upon creating a safe space in which all people can come together and be themselves, I feel deeply embarrassed by those who rioted and violently disrespected not only our nation's capital, but also our elected officials.  The hatred and disrespect demonstrated by the participants in the riots on January 6 is unwarranted.  There is no reasonable explanation for their behavior.  I urge our representatives and leaders to stand against this behavior, to lawfully prosecute those who participated, and to engage in the peaceful transition of power to President Elect Joe Biden.”

Nat Rosasco, Principal and Founder of Olive Street Design (Chicago, Illinois): “No matter what side of the aisle you are on, yesterday was completely unacceptable, as an American. I am hoping that this is a wake-up call for all Americans to come together and put hate behind us.”

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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.