NFIB (Have you heard of them?)

[Susan May]

A man walked in our store the other day, and said that he represented NFIB. (I think I gave him the "Deer in headlights" look.) I had never heard of them. Have you heard of NFIB, and if so, what do you think of them? They represent independent businesses all across America.

http://www.nfib.com

Check them out.

[RozR]

Originally posted by Susan May:
(I think I gave him the "Deer in headlights" look.) Sue, I gave the same response when first reading your post!

It looks interesting - will take more time to explore...

Roz

[Ron Eggers]

Be careful, Sue. Unjoining is a lot harder than joining, and the "dues" tend to go up pretty regularly.

If you like what they do, go for it. But be aware that they are very assertive in the fund-raising areas. I was never very clear on what they do, except for their lobbying efforts.

I belonged about 15 years ago, so it's not a new organization.

[B. Newman]

A rep came a few years ago and made a presentation to the business association that I belong to. I was pretty impressed, but it was just not something that I could do at that time.

I've heard lots of good things about them, but don't have any personal experience to relate.

Betty

[Bill Henry-]

I belonged for three years or so. For your "dues" you get a slick 4 color magazine now and then and the ability to "vote" on issues concerning businesses. They presumably send their lobbiest to coerce congresspeople (man, I can't get used to this gender neutral PC speak) into voting pro-business.

For Republicans it's preaching to the choir; for Democrats it's spittin' in the wind.

I saw no great benefit except for the tax write-off.

[Bob Carter]

I have been a member for many, many years. They are single-handledly the strongest advocate for independent businesses around. They have considerable sway with the Congress and many laws are nipped in the bud because we have them to look out for us.

In addition to being a strong watchdog, they send out a monthly business magazine with great articles and chronicle successes on our behalf. They point out business-friendly legislators and work on those that aren't.

They are responsible for the rollback and elimination of many burdensome regulations (recent ergonomic regulations come to mind, as well as a stalwart against mandated health insurance by small business).

As for dues, I get a bill every year and they always ask for more. Every year I send $150 and the gladly accept it. They include my opinion in the formulation of statewide policy and have asked me (and many others) to sit in on roundtable discussions on issues relating to small businesses.

All in all, they are the best advocate for small business known to man.

As a plus benefit, they hate Ted Kennedy and his type and work tirelessly to overcome his agenda.

[Emibub]

A successful businessperson here locally that I had a chance to share war stories with recently highly recommended the NFIB. He gave me a copy of the magazine and I plan on joining when I am ready. I am for anybody who can represent us to the political world. Since owning a small business it has become clear to me that we really don't carry a strong enough voice. Big business gets every advantage in the world. We need a voice.

I have also been told by one of my reps that the BNI (http://www.bni.com/), Business Network International was a good organization to belong to. He thought they were a stronger force than the Chamber of Commerce, here in Colorado anyway. Haven't checked it out yet.

[JPete]

I have no opinion one way or the other about the organization but it did say indendent business not small...small business is a pretty wide range.

[ 10-03-2003, 05:29 PM: Message edited by: JPete ]

[Bob Carter]

I'm sure anyone can join, but this group is a strong advocate for small, independent businesses. There is simply no stronger voice for us than this group. If you want a strong endorsement, contact your Congressman and ask their office of their effectiveness.

I understand that joining any group isn't an answer for many. Look at the poor enrollment of PPFA. We have a lot of people that think PPFA provides no benefits for the dues. But these guys have a proven track record and have over 250,000 members. It is a powerful voice and they get things done on our behalf.

I'm glad they are out there fighting for me

[gemsmom]

I never heard of the group until a few weeks ago, when another businessman in town recommend they talk to me. A rep was in just yesyerday, in fact. I knew nothing of the group, and wasn't prepared to talk to him. This thread will probably be helpful. Just knowing they hate Ted Kennedy puts points on their side with me.

[Susan May]

Thanks. I think that Mom and I have already decided to join, but I thought I'd get your thoughts on the subject first. (Honestly, I almost just E-Mailed Bob Carter instead of posting, because I just knew that he would know about them.)

[Terry Scidmore CPF]

I have been an NFIB member for a while and agree with Bob Carter's comments.

You do not have to pay what the representative asks for. If you are not comfortable with the amount, tell the rep that you will write your check for what you feel is comfortable for you.

In addition to being able to add your voice to our public process, you can ask for speakers to come to your PPFA chapter or guild to speak on a variety of subjects.

I received the current member ballot in the mail about a week ago. These are the issues the NFIB would like your vote on: 1)Should small business be allowed to bid for commercial jobs now performed by the federal government? 2)Should the government be allowed to "bundle" many small contracts into one large consolidated contract? 3)Should 179 expensing be expanded to cover all vehicles, including those over 6,000 pounds? 4)Should the government's power of eminent domain be restricted to use for public projects only?
5)Should food service companies, retailers, and wholesalers be held liable for customer obesity?

Each ballot issue has a short background introduction and pro and con statements. The vote results are reported in the next issue. Each bi-monthly magazine contains a state by state report on what is going on with the legislature in regards to small business issues.

I know that I do not have the time to watch all of the issues that can affect my business. This is the only way that I have found to get a pretty clear snapshot - especially given how complex many of the issues are.

[Jim Miller]

Like Bob Carter, I've been an NFIB member for years. They do great work for small businesses.

Aside from their small business advocacy crusades, Ohioans have another reason to join NFIB. Our state Workers' Compensation system allows companies with similar claim-liability ratings to group together and save on Workers' Comp premiums.

In recent years, savings of WC premiums in the NFIB group have exceeded the cost of membership by a generous margin.

To put it another way, being an NFIB member saves me at least $300 (net, after dues) per year in real dollars.