Arizona Small Business Leaders Advocate for Key Issues in D.C.

Categories: Arizona Business NewsArizona State News

Small business owners advocate for key issues in Washington, D.C.

News Summary

Warren Norgaard, a Phoenix small business owner, led a delegation to Washington, D.C. to discuss critical issues impacting small businesses with U.S. senators. The primary focus included access to AI tools, raising the federal minimum wage, and concerns over international tariffs. Norgaard emphasized the importance of equitable tech access, fair wage practices, and the detrimental effects of tariffs on small manufacturers. He urged lawmakers to recognize and support the vital role that small businesses play in the economy.

Phoenix – Warren Norgaard, a small business owner from Phoenix, recently took a trip to Washington, D.C., accompanied by a group of Arizona small business leaders to engage in discussions with U.S. senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego. The focus of their meetings centered on three critical issues affecting small businesses: access to artificial intelligence (AI) tools, raising the federal minimum wage, and the impact of international tariffs on domestic producers.

Norgaard operates Milkweed Arts, a fused glass education center and gallery, and Unique Glass Colors, a manufacturer of glass enamels for artists. During discussions, he outlined how vital AI tools have become for small business operations, noting that they assist with tasks such as transcribing educational videos, creating marketing materials, and providing customer support. He expressed concerns that without equitable access to these beneficial technologies, small businesses are at risk of falling behind larger companies which often have the resources to implement advanced tools.

The topic of raising the federal minimum wage was another key point of discussion. Norgaard, along with the other business leaders, advocated for fair pay practices, arguing that improving wages leads to enhanced employee performance and ultimately strengthens the local economy. They pointed out that sustaining a business on low wages is neither a sustainable nor ethical approach in today’s market climate.

Additionally, the impact of international tariffs was a significant concern for Norgaard and his peers. He articulated fears that such tariffs lead to increased costs for small manufacturers who have limited capacity to absorb these price hikes. They believe that these tariffs disproportionately affect small businesses compared to larger firms that may be more equipped to manage such financial challenges.

Norgaard emphasized that small creative businesses play an essential role in Arizona’s economy, serving not only as employers but also as anchors of community culture and economic development. He highlighted the need for policymakers to recognize the contributions of small enterprises in fostering vibrant communities.

During the meetings, the staff members of both senators demonstrated engagement by asking questions and taking notes, which suggested a readiness to further discuss these critical issues. Norgaard extended invitations for the senators to visit Milkweed Arts. This invitation aimed to provide them with a firsthand perspective of how specific policies directly impact small businesses across the state.

Throughout this trip, Norgaard called upon lawmakers to actively listen to the voices and concerns of small business owners. He urged them to shape thoughtful policies that not only support small businesses but also emphasize sustainable growth for local communities. The discussions highlighted the importance of small business advocacy as a responsibility of those involved in the industry and as a means of influencing pertinent policy decisions.

This visit to Washington served as a reminder that small business owners, like Warren Norgaard, play a vital role in economic discourse and can affect change through proactive engagement with government officials. The continued emphasis on the value of small businesses as cornerstones of economic stability and innovation is essential for long-term community growth.