Stimulus money will soon be flowing from the federal government to communities across the country.  Local business leaders are working hard to ensure that Central Illinois is not forgotten. 

Jim McConoughey, President/CEO of The Heartland Partnership and James Schmidt President of Hohulin Fence both spoke to legislators in Washington DC recently about stimulus funding.  In this week’s Economic Climate Report read about their trips to our nation’s capital.

Click here to read James Schmidt's testimony.

One main focus was transportation stimulus and other general stimulus funding.  We need to identify the channels in which the federal money will be delivered and make sure some of our projects and programs fit into the federal guidelines.

There are many people working hard to ensure we stay on the forefront of lawmakers' minds.  One such person is Jim Schmidt, President of Hohulin Fence in Goodfield.  He recently talked with the United States House Small Business Committee about what a small veteran-owned business needs to survive in a down economy.

Schmidt said he wanted to help ensure the federal stimulus money is being dispersed properly.  Schmidt testified that the economic climate has been extrememly difficult on everyone especially small businesses like his.  "As a veteran-owned small business I see no advantage for us. If I were a disabled veteran there may be a few more opportunites but not many. I believe if a veteran owned business would receive the same benefits as a WBE or DBE we would have more work available for us to bid."  

He argued that by creating a level playing field his company would be able to better compete for federally finded projects here at home.  "With a level playing field, I am confident Hohulin Fence can compete in the marketplace –and as a commercial business remaining competitive is our responsibility. What we need from Congress are the right policy actions to ensure the playing field remains level."

Schmidt talked about the stimulus funding coming through the federal government and the need to ensure this funding is available for small businesses like his.  "Congress and the Administration must ensure that the funds available through the American Recovery and Reinvest Act are made accessible by small businesses through equitable contract administration."

He addressed the fear many feel today "Currently, our country seems to be paralyzed by the fear of the unknown: Whether they will have a job tomorrow or not; whether they will lose their home or not; whether they can provide for their families or not. We are all looking to Washington for an answer."
 

We don't plan to stop there.  The Heartland Partnership and other regional leaders will meet with key legislators in Springfield too.  It is imparative that we keep these folks in the know about what is going on here. 

Many of our state leaders are in new roles or have taken on new tasks, we want to make sure those longtime friends of this region continue to remain connected to Central Illinois. 

By having our voices heard together, by lawmakers in Washington and in Springfield we can make a difference for our region.  Collaboration is the key.