May 31, 2012

Manchin Demonstrates a Strong Commitment to W.Va. Small Businesses

Yesterday, Manchin toured West Virginia small businesses with SBA Administrator Karen Mills

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) will continue his week-long statewide tour today with a visit to Wendling’s Food Service in Buckhannon, where he will receive an award for his commitment to increasing opportunity and reducing government regulation. Senator Manchin is the first Senate Democrat to receive the 2012 Thomas Jefferson Award, presented by the International Foodservice Distributors Association. 

Senator Manchin also demonstrated his commitment to entrepreneurs in a tour Wednesday with Small Business Administrator Karen Mills. The tour included Advantage Health and Wellness and AAMCO in Morgantown. 

“From my grandfather's grocery, to my father's furniture store, to the carpet business I ran, who I am today goes back to my roots in small business. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and it speaks to the strength of our economy here in West Virginia that Administrator Mills has visited our state twice in just over a year,” Senator Manchin said. “Our small businesses thrive because of our West Virginia work ethic and unwavering entrepreneurial spirit.  However, successful businesses also depend on a strong relationship with our local banks to ensure capital is available when needed, particularly when times get a little tough.  I appreciate what Administrator Mills and the Small Business Administration have done to work with banks and small businesses to make the loan process smooth.  As we’ve seen, the reward is that small businesses are hiring good West Virginians.”

Tonight Senator Manchin will deliver remarks at the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. 

Other events this week have focused on honoring our veterans and improving the quality of life for our seniors. Senator Manchin attended a dedication ceremony at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery on Monday and spoke yesterday with seniors in Beckley about the importance of reauthorizing the Older Americans Act. Yesterday evening, Senator Manchin delivered remarks at the Teaming to Win Conference. 

**For Planning Purposes** 
THURSDAY, May 31, 2012

Tour A.F. Wendling and receive the International Foodservice Distributors Association 2012 Thomas Jefferson Award

When: 3 p.m.
Where: A.F. Wendling, 100 Wendling Plaza, Buckhannon.
What: Senator Manchin tours A.F. Wendling and receives the International Foodservice Distributors Association 2012 Thomas Jefferson Award.
PLEASE NOTE: Members of the Media who wish to cover this event must RSVP to Sara Payne Scarbro, with Senator Manchin’s office, by emailing Sara_Payne@manchin.senate.gov. 

Attend Harrison County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner

When: 7 p.m. 
Where: Village Square Conference Center, Route 19 South, Clarksburg.
What:Senator speaks to Harrison County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner.

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