Regulatory fairness forum for small business         

Federal agencies want to hear comments on federal regulatory compliance

[May 29, 2007]  WASHINGTON -- Small-business owners will have an opportunity to discuss concerns about federal regulatory compliance and enforcement issues during a regulatory fairness forum in Milwaukee, Wis., on July 10.

Who: Small Business Administration National Ombudsman Nicholas Owens, members of the regional Regulatory Fairness Board and representatives of federal regulatory agencies will hear concerns, comments and complaints about federal regulatory enforcement and compliance. Small-business owners, representatives of community organizations and trade associations, and community and business leaders are invited to testify about compliance and enforcement of regulations by federal agencies.

What: To create a more cooperative regulatory environment among federal agencies and small businesses, Congress has directed the Small Business Administration and the national ombudsman to hold regulatory fairness hearings. Concerns and complaints aired at this forum will be directed to the appropriate federal regulatory agency. Testimonies gathered at these hearings are also reported to Congress.

Where: UMOS Corporate Headquarters, 2701 S. Chase Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207.

When: Tuesday, July 10
            9:30-10 a.m. -- Registration
            10 a.m.-noon -- Hearing

Testimony may be submitted in writing in advance or at the hearing. 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.

Small-business owners may testify during the hearing by registering in advance. Call Jan Nienow at 414-297-1096 at the SBA Wisconsin District Office or send an e-mail to [e-mail].

For more information, visit www.sba.gov/ombudsman, or call Jose Mendez at 202-205-6178.

[Text from file received from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of the National Ombudsman]