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Richmond Small Business Owner Recognized as 3C Congressional Champion

Washington, DC (May 1, 2023): Ahead of National Small Business Week, Michael Gaffney, owner of Seawicks Candle Company in Richmond, ME, met with Sen. Susan Collins’ (R-ME) office in Washington, D.C. to share how digital tools help grow his business and voice concerns with policy proposals that could hurt his business by making digital tools more expensive and less effective. 

As Congress considers bills to change how the digital economy works, it is important that policymakers understand that digital tools like social media, digital advertising, and online marketplaces power millions of small small businesses’ success. For example, a recent study shows that 82% of advertisers say digital ads help them reach customers more effectively than traditional ads like billboards and television, while 80% say digital ads help them compete with larger companies. 

“It was such an honor to meet with Sen. Collins’ office and convey how digital tools help us run and grow our business,” said Gaffney. “I hope that Congress takes our concerns seriously and considers how new laws will impact our bottom line.”

Gaffney was joined by dozens of other small business leaders from across the country, in meetings with more than a dozen U.S. Congressional offices.

“With inflation and other economic factors still impacting small businesses, it’s more important than ever for Congress to hear and address their concerns,” said Rob Retzlaff, 3C Executive Director. “People like Michael are doing a great civic duty by reminding elected officials of the importance of small businesses to the American economy, and that every single issue Congress considers is a small business issue.”

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