SBA Asks Small Businesses about Compliance Issues

Small business owners have an opportunity to discuss issues regarding Federal regulatory compliance and enforcement during this event:

Regulatory Fairness Hearing for Small Business
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Seattle, WA

Have you or a small business owner you know been unfairly fined or penalized by a Federal government agency, or is a Federal agency enforcement action imminent?

WHO:    SBA Acting National Ombudsman Yolanda V. Swift will meet with members of Region X and the Seattle-area small business community to hear issues and comments about Federal regulatory enforcement and compliance actions. Small business owners, representatives of trade associations, and community and business leaders are invited to participate, comment about compliance actions and enforcement of regulations by Federal agencies, and learn more about the impact of Federal regulations on small businesses.
   
WHAT:    To create a more cooperative regulatory environment among Federal agencies and small businesses, Congress has directed the SBA and the National Ombudsman to hold Regulatory Fairness hearings for small businesses.  The National Ombudsman will direct any specific issues addressed at these forums to the appropriate Federal agency for a higher-level review of fairness of the enforcement action.  In many instances, the National Ombudsman’s action has resulted in Federal agencies reducing or waiving penalties and/or compliance actions in cases of unfair or excessive regulatory enforcement.

WHERE:     The Rainier Club   
    820 – 4th Avenue
    Seattle, WA  98104-1653

WHEN:     Thursday, June 6, 2013
    8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Small business owners may testify during the hearing by registering in advance. Members of the small business community, trade organizations and media are encouraged to attend.  RSVPs should be made to José Méndez in the office of the National Ombudsman at (202) 205-2417 or by email to jose.mendez@sba.gov before the hearing.  Testimony may be submitted in writing in advance.  Anyone desiring confidentiality may request that his or her name not be released and may submit written testimony in lieu of a public appearance at the hearing.  There is no parking at The Rainier Club.  However, garage parking is available at nearby locations from the club.

For additional information about the Office of the National Ombudsman, visit the website at
www.sba.gov/ombudsman.

All of the SBA’s programs and services are provided to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.  Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested in advance.  Contact: jose.mendez@sba.gov.