Rada Cutlery Represented in DC During Small Business Week
WASHINGTON (May 7, 2024): Andrea Ramker, vice president of business development for Waverly, IA-based Rada Cutlery, met with Tresa Joseph, Senior Policy Advisor at the White House National Economic Council (NEC), and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to explain the vital role digital tools play in Rada’s business. She also voiced concern about policy proposals that could hurt small businesses like Rada by making such tools more expensive and less effective.
Ramker’s visit, which coincided with National Small Business Week, reflected small business leaders’ desire that proposed laws governing data privacy and artificial intelligence (AI) not only provide consumer protections, but also do not place undue burdens on small business’s ability to grow and thrive. New research shows that 63% of small business leaders believe AI tools help level the playing field for businesses of all sizes, and 47% identify data security as a top issue they think Congress should address.
“It was such an honor to meet with the Biden Administration’s NEC staff and Sen. Grassley to discuss upcoming legislation, including the proposed national privacy act, that will impact small businesses,” said Ramker. “I hope I was able to explain the importance of ensuring Congress passes laws that both limit unintended consequences and keep small businesses in mind.”
Ramker was one of over twenty small business leaders who came to Washington from across the country to meet with elected officials, including four who met with the Biden Administration.
“Small businesses are essential to the nation’s economy, so it’s extremely important that Congress understands their perspective and addresses their concerns,” said Rob Retzlaff, 3C Executive Director. “Andrea is a fantastic example of the millions of creative, resilient, hard-working American small business leaders out there. We commend her for her willingness to reach out to Congressional leaders, speak up on behalf of small businesses, and help ensure small business success.”
