White City Small Business Leader Talks Tech Policy with Federal Lawmakers

WASHINGTON (May 2, 2025) — Lisa Hammonds, co-owner of White City, Ore.-based Full Leaf Tea Co., recently met with officials from the office of Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) to advocate for tech policies that support small businesses like hers. Her visit comes just ahead of National Small Business Week, at a time when many entrepreneurs are worried about rising costs and economic uncertainty.  

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

“It was great meeting with Sen. Merkley’s office to share how important digital tools are to running and growing my business, especially in today’s uncertain economy,” said Hammonds. “Small businesses need policies that help us move forward, not new barriers that hold us back.”

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

“Small business owners like Lisa are busy running 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 small businesses across the country.”