In the fight to be heard in the state Legislature, small business owners must compete with companies and special interests that can shout their agendas to lawmakers through lobbyists and attorneys.
So, how can small businesses that don't hire lobbyists raise their voices from a whisper to a roar?
The journey to gain political clout without the use of a lobbyist can be a hefty burden on a small business owners time and funds.
But, in the end, the rewards can be bountiful.
Just ask Jason Albu, owner of Winter Park-based general and engineering contractor Albu & Associates. Albu has been campaigning for his company since the housing bubble burst in 2007, and the experience has allowed him to meet movers and shakers who could support the kind of legislation that leads to work.
Theres a lot of impact when they see a small business owner up there talking to them, said Albu, whose company employs a dozen full-time staff members.
When business slowed along with housing and real estate sales, Albu approached lawmakers in hopes of stimulating demand for the company's services. He decided not to use a lobbyist because of the cost. It would be a couple hundred dollars an hour, he said.
He contacted local legislators, such as Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, the incoming House speaker.
He gave to campaigns and got involved with the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando. He also started making trips to the Capitol himself.
Most recently, Albu advocated for SunRail, a 61-mile Central Florida commuter rail system that Gov. Charlie Crist pushed through the Legislature in December. The need for stations and other infrastructure could create work for Albus company.
Albu drove from his office to the Capitol, and he usually stays with an acquaintance to save on lodging. Not hiring a lobbyist has saved him money, but not time.
The biggest issue is just me being away from the office, but we still feel its important, he said.
Albu said that joining his local chambers of commerce was invaluable in gaining political clout and pursuing a broad agenda rather than a specific piece of legislation. BusinessForce, a PAC offshoot of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, gives more than 10,000 area businesses a venue to influence the Legislature, and Albu said it was helpful for him.
For many businesses that can't afford lobbyists, the chosen way to influence the Legislature is to join a local chamber of commerce and form a team of representatives that can pursue a common goal.
Employers are always more effective when they speak with one voice, said Dan Krassner, spokesman for the Florida Chamber of Commerce in Tallahassee.
Krassner said he always recommends businesses use lobbyists, but joining the chamber instead at least gives them a chance to join in group efforts for chamber-supported legislation. The dues can make businesses wary, but the benefit is worth it, he said.
It costs more to a business not to join, he said.
Joining a chamber, Krassner said, gives businesses access to e-mails and inside information about important legislation so they can stay informed. Once they join a chamber, the next step is to volunteer to lead a legislative task force.
Leading a task force gives businesses practice in speaking for many. Once businesses rack up accomplishments and followers, the ultimate step for a business owner is to run for political office.
That remains true at the local level.
Steven Stewart, a businessman running for mayor of Tallahassee, said that the most important feature a businessman can offer when running for office is credibility.
Stewart, owner of Tallahassees Commercial Print and Copy, worked as a liaison and consultant to the public counsel office at the Florida Public Service Commission, and it gave him the knowledge and expertise needed for his campaign, which partly focuses on utilities.
Youve got to be credible, he said. And youve got to be credible on the issues.
Reporter Alex Tiegen can be reached at 561-329-5389 or at atiegen@sunshinestatenews.com
