Eight ABC members joined more than 100 small business owners at the White House this week for an event highlighting small businesses, “The Engine of the American Dream.” 

At the event, President Trump highlighted his administration’s commitment to instituting policies that allow small businesses to flourish in America and spotlighted the important contributions that small businesses make to the American economy.  Topics of discussion included tax reform, growth resources and regulatory relief.  Also in attendance were Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon and Ivanka Trump, White House senior advisor. 

ABC members found value in the event. “I felt that President Trump and Ivanka understood the spirit of our struggles as small business owners. Ivanka really hit the nail on the head when she spoke about surrounding yourself with people you can trust who know areas of the business that you are lacking knowledge in,” said ABC Oklahoma member Andy Wright. 

"It was in honor to be asked to go to the White House and represent ABC and the merit shop,” said ABC Cornhusker member David Chapin. “The president hit home on several issues important to our members.  He delivered a clear message that he is not done rolling back regulations. He is serious about real tax reform.” 

"Like many other small businesses, we look forward to President Trump and Congress acting on long-overdue tax reform and regulatory relief that will help foster a better business climate so we can continue to be a job provider and driver of our economy," said ABC New Jersey member Kirby Wu. 

ABC members who attended the event were:

David Chapin, President, Willmar Electric Service, Lincoln, Neb.
Sharon Hamilton, President, Sentinel Fence and Contracting, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Larry Lopez, President, Green JobWorks, Baltimore
David C. Mollitor Jr., President/CEO, DeWitt, Mich.
Shawn P. Pnacek, President, Great Lakes Bay Construction Inc., Midland, Michigan 
Stephanie Schmidt, President, Poole Anderson Construction, State College, Pa.
Andy Wright, President, FlorWright Inc., Tulsa, Okla.
Kirby Wu, President, Wu & Associates Inc., Mount Laurel, N.J