Two Minnesota motorcoach operators became the faces of a broader push to elevate small business voices in Washington, calling for the return of a long-dormant national conference.
Speaking on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, Chad Ely of Voigt’s Motorcoach Travel and Joe Hall of John Hall’s Alaska Tours and Transportation shared their experiences as small business owners. Their remarks came during a press conference on April 15 that coincided with the annual Bus & Motorcoach Fly-In, where industry leaders gathered in Washington to meet with lawmakers.
They stood alongside Rep. Brad Finstad, R-MN, and a coalition of small business advocates urging Congress to revive the White House Conference on Small Business, which has not been held since 1995.
“It is hard to believe it has been three decades since the last one,” Ely said. “The White House Conference on Small Business brought together entrepreneurs and officials to shape national economic policy. It resulted in over 60 recommendations affecting small businesses. These accomplishments affect every small business today positively, whether they know it or not.”
Ely said the business landscape has shifted dramatically since then. “Much has changed in the last 30 years,” he said. “Computers, internet, AI, and international trade were not considered then.”
Legislation would revive gathering
The push centers on H.R. 6855, the White House Conference on Small Business Act. The bipartisan bill was introduced by Finstad and Rep Don Davis, D-NC. Supporters say it would give small business owners a stronger voice in shaping federal policy.
Finstad emphasized their importance.
“This is the lifeblood of America, right here – small businesses,” he said. “It’s high time that these folks have a seat at the table.”
Hall echoed that message, focusing on the role small businesses play in communities.
“Across most of America, it’s small businesses that are really the lifeblood of the economy,” Hall said. “We provide first jobs for young people. We provide steady income for families. We also create opportunities later in life.”
He added that small businesses offer something larger companies often cannot. “To us, a customer is not just a transaction. This is our way of life,” Hall said. “We also make sure that the American Dream is alive and well.”
Ely and Hall were among about 80 motorcoach operators and industry vendors participating in the Fly-In. The event gives members of the United Motorcoach Association a chance to meet directly with policymakers and advocate for industry priorities.
The motorcoach industry is made up largely of small, family-owned businesses. Operators face rising costs, workforce shortages, and increasing regulations. Many owners handle multiple roles within their companies.
Ken Presley, UMA’s Vice President, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs & Industry Relations and Chief Operating Officer, has worked for years on reviving the conference.
“I am excited to see this legislation finally introduced,” Presley said. “It brings focus to the critical role played by small businesses in our nation’s economy. Small motorcoach operators are examples of the types of small businesses that will benefit from a new White House Conference on Small Business.”
Ryan Kelly contributed to this report. Photos taken by Jill Kelly.
