Looking for More Certainty From Washington

We asked members of the U.S. Chamber’s Small Business Council, while they were at Chamber headquarters for a November meeting, what government can do to help their businesses grow and create jobs. Here’s what some of them said.

Nicole Christian, president and CEO
Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, McHenry, MD
My community says that there are three things they want me to focus on: extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, repeal the 1099 reporting requirement, and step up efforts to promote travel and tourism to the United States.

Ron Collins, president and CEO
JCM Industries, Nash, TX
It’s the uncertainty around issues such as taxes and health care that’s holding us back from spending. We need more certainty to spend and create jobs.

Ted Daywalt, president
VetJobs, Marietta, GA
You’ve got to make it easier for job creators to collect on existing tax credits such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. There are too many onerous requirements and too much paperwork that needs to be done before you can collect on credits.

Carlos Del Toro, president
SBG Technology Solutions, Stafford, VA
Government insourcing is a huge problem for me. The government needs to do a business case analysis before taking away a government contract. After all, we need to create more private sector jobs, not more government jobs.

John Kusik, vice president
North Coast Education Services, Chagrin Falls, OH
The main problem is that the government talks out of both sides of its mouth. It says small business is important, but then leaves us to deal with all this uncertainty on economic issues and health care. We need the administration to have a consistent message when it comes to policy.

Ron Monford, chairman and CEO
Mindover Corp., Canyon Lake, TX
To create jobs, we need a better climate for international trade. Many small businesses are afraid to jump into it. The administration should make it easier for us to enter into international markets.

Dr. Herb Sohn, urologist
Strauss Surgical Group, Chicago, IL
Government should have done something on tort reform in the health care bill. I could hire two more employees for the same amount that I spend on medical liability insurance.

Don Sterhan, president
Mountain Plains Equity Group Inc., Billings, MT
Congress needs to consider and enact initiatives to incentivize private sector development and investment. It could start with passing the tax extenders bill.