NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED TO SMALL BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE

VICTORIA – The Small Business Roundtable will provide an even stronger link between government and British Columbia’s small business community with the addition of new roundtable members Neal Norman and Brenda Blair, announced Kevin Krueger, Minister of Small Business and Revenue.

Neal Norman is the president and owner of N. Norman Ventures Ltd., and has been the manager of Reg Norman Trucking Ltd. for the past 28 years. Norman’s business focus is directed at sand and gravel, site development and oil field construction, which are all fundamental components in the development and growth of the South Peace area of the province.

“Neal’s leadership and business acumen have played an integral role in the success of many of the small businesses located in his community,” said Krueger. “His continued mentorship and support of new entrepreneurs in the Peace region has earned him a reputation as a valuable business resource.”

As owner of the Sears Dealer Store in Cranbrook, Brenda Blair has received the gold or platinum “Best of Business” award for the past 11 years, as well as recently being awarded the Gold Badge for Customer Service Excellence from Sears Canada.

“Brenda’s successful business is the result of an innovative partnership between a large corporation and a small business,” said Krueger. “That kind of unique experience, coupled with Brenda’s extensive involvement with various local business organizations, such as the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce and the Cranbrook Downtown Business Association, will offer significant contributions to the roundtable.”

“We are delighted to welcome our newest roundtable members,” said Linda Larson, Small Business Roundtable vice-chair. “Their business leadership and commitment to the well-being of their local communities will provide the roundtable with an even stronger voice to government.”

“As a small business owner, I have a great deal of experience with the rewards and challenges that accompany entrepreneurship,” said Norman. “I'm pleased to bring those experiences to the roundtable, and participate in this important partnership on behalf of British Columbia’s small business sector.”

“I've worked tirelessly for over a decade to grow and expand my business, and its success is a reflection of that commitment,” said Blair. “I'm excited to work with the roundtable, ensuring other B.C. small businesses also continue to thrive.”

The permanent Small Business Roundtable was established in October 2005 to consult with small business and advise government and the small business sector on issues, strategies and potential actions with the goal of becoming the most small-business-friendly jurisdiction in Canada.

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Media contact:	Christine Wood Communications Director 250 387-4193

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