Several months ago, I spoke with the speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston about the unemployment situation in our state. He said one of the most effective ways to battle unemployment is to help small businesses as they generate the vast majority of job growth.
      Ralston said it was very important to him, and to other lawmakers, that as much help be provided to small businesses as possible, particularly in the area of government regulation.
      True to his word, it appears that the legislature and the governor are making a sincere effort to hear the voice of small business in our state.
      The first of many small business deregulation meetings is slated for this Thursday, February 2, in Atlanta from 1:00 - 4:00 in room 406 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building in order to hear testimony directly from those individuals who must work within the confines of our state's regulations to operate their businesses.
      Representative David Knight serves as chairman of the Special Committee on Small Business and Job Creation which is conducting the meeting. His committee has been charged with thoroughly reviewing and evaluating the regulatory environment in which our small businesses operate.
      In a press release, Knight said he "is encouraging local lawmakers to reach out to their constituents who are small business owners and solicit input from them on this important matter. It is his goal to seek out any unfair or burdensome regulations that hinder small business growth in this state and determine if the General Assembly can address this matter through legislation."
      This will be one of many meetings that Knight intends to conduct. I think this is a golden opportunity for small business owners. It would appear that times are very favorable as it relates to reduction of regulation that is either antiquated, or frankly ill conceived.
      This meeting initiative was brought to my attention by local representative Jan Tankersley.
      "I am very excited about the opportunity small businesses are being given to voice their concerns about conducting business in Georgia," she said. "I know we won't be able to resolve all the issues we will hear about, but we are off to a good start. I consider this opportunity one of the "good" things to come out of tough economic times."
       I know that it is very easy to feel like you are banging your head against the government "wall", so-to-speak, but in the era of the Tea Party movement, officials seem much more apt to listen.
       For more information, folks can go to the Georgia General Assembly website, click on House of Representatives, lower part of this screen will be "RED TAPE WATCH", which you would then click on for more info.
       Business owners can also submit their concerns electronically to www.house.ga.gov/redtapewatch<http://www.house.ga.gov/redtapewatch>
       If you would like to speak in front of one of the committee meetings, you can submit an application to do so via these websites.

      So, until next Tuesday, I bid you au revoir.

      Got a scoop for Jan? Call her at (912) 489-9463 or email her at jmoore@statesboroherald.com