Ketchum Business Leader Talks Tech Policy with Federal Lawmakers

WASHINGTON (May 5, 2025) — Taylor Straley, vice president of eCommerce at Ketchum, Idaho.-based DECKED, recently met with officials from the Executive Office of the President, including from the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Office of the Vice President (OVP), to advocate for tech policies that support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) like DECKED. Her visit comes just ahead of National Small Business Week, at a time when many entrepreneurs are worried about rising costs and economic uncertainty.  

Straley raised concerns over how certain policy proposals could limit access to important tools like digital ads, analytics, and artificial intelligence that SMBs use to grow and compete. New research shows that 66% of SMBs consider data security and customer privacy very important. At the same time, over half (52%) of U.S. SMBs consider artificial intelligence (AI) tools critical to their success, while 80% of SMBs using digital ads say they help them reach new customers. 

“It was beneficial to have conversations with OSTP staff and the office of Vice President JD Vance to share how DECKED relies on digital tools that leverage artificial intelligence for digital advertising and analytics that enable growth,” said Straley. “Additionally, SMBs need policies that help us move forward, not new barriers that hold us back.”

Straley was one of 29 SMB leaders from across the country who came to Washington to meet with dozens of elected officials and their staff.

“SMB leaders like Taylor are busy growing their companies, but she made the time to come to Washington because the policies being debated could have a real impact on how her company operates and grows,” said Rob Retzlaff, Executive Director of the Connected Commerce Council. “We’re grateful she took the time to engage with lawmakers and speak up for SMBs across the country.”