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Lt. Governor Roberts Receives District Director's Award from Rhode Island Small Business Administration

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

PROVIDENCE—Lt. Governor Elizabeth H. Roberts today received the District Director Award from Rhode Island SBA District Director Mark S. Hayward at the 2014 Rhode Island Salute to Small Business luncheon. The event took place at the Alpine Country Club in Cranston and was sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Joseph G.E. Knight SCORE Chapter 13.

Each year the Rhode Island District Director recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a high level of commitment and support to the Rhode Island small business community. "Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts is a true friend to small business," said SBA Rhode Island District Director Mark S. Hayward at today's awards luncheon. "Not only while serving as lieutenant governor, but also during her tenure as a state senator, she has focused on making life easier for the Rhode Island small business community," said Hayward.

"I am honored to receive this award from the RI Small Business Association, and I share the honor with all of the hard-working small business leaders on the RI Small Business Advocacy Council," said Lt. Governor Roberts.

Hayward described Lt. Governor Roberts' work on issues of concern to Rhode Island's small business community through her leadership of the Rhode Island SBAC. The Council's focus has included ensuring that small business owners have a voice in government, addressing the rising costs of health care for employers, increasing state investments in small business development, and making changes to the state fire code to give businesses more voice in the review process.

The Small Business Advocacy Council was created by RI General Law to "develop those specific and comprehensive recommendations for executive and legislative action as may be necessary and proper to maintain and encourage the continued viability of small business in the state." The Council is co-chaired by Lt. Governor Roberts, along with the Office of the Secretary of State and Commerce RI, and includes nine key government officials and ten members of the public involved in running small businesses.

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