News by SB Informer

Thomas Topuzes Named to SBA's National Advisory Council

SB Informer
Friday, May 5, 2006; 02:41 AM

SAN DIEGO - Administrator Hector V. Barreto of the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the appointment of Thomas Topuzes, owner of Thomas Topuzes & Associates, LLC, to the SBA's National Advisory Council.

"We're delighted to welcome Thomas Topuzes as a member of the National Advisory Council," said Administrator Barreto. "I'm sure that he will be a strong, independent voice for small business, someone we can rely on to inform and advise us on issues that are important to entrepreneurs across America. I personally will appreciate the opportunity to draw on Tom's expertise as a supporter of small business."

The NAC serves as a key private sector advisory group to SBA, Congress, and the President on small business issues. The council includes small business owners and leaders who volunteer their time over the course of a two- year appointment to provide the SBA with diverse and expert advice, ideas, and opinions on small business issues and SBA programs nationwide.

Barreto has asked each council member to be keenly aware of the challenges the President has outlined for the SBA. These include:

    * Increasing small business access to capital, federal contracts and
      technical assistance,

    * Expanding the availability of opportunities offered by SBA programs to
      as many small businesses as possible,

    * Improving the SBA's programs to ensure that they remain relevant to all
      small businesses,

    * Reducing the regulatory and paperwork burden on small businesses,

    * Serving as the voice of small businesses to the Bush Administration and
      as the President's eyes and ears in the small business community.

"It is an honor to have someone so well known and involved in the communities, as Mr. Topuzes, to serve on the National Advisory Council," says Dr. Ruben Garcia, SBA, District Director for San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Thomas Topuzes is the president & CEO of Thomas Topuzes & Associates, LLC, a business consulting company. He has over 20 years of banking experience and has served as the U.S. SBA Regional Administrator for Region IX. He is a board member and past chair of CDC Small Business Finance Corporation, National University, and has served on various community non-profit boards in San Diego and Imperial County. "I look forward to serving the small business community in this new capacity," Topuzes said. "Small business owners have the opportunity to live the American dream. In addition to providing employment for themselves and others, they enhance the community where they live and contribute to the nation's economy.

"While serving as Regional Administrator, I would see individuals turning their dreams into reality by owning their own business on a daily basis. It is a very rewarding experience."

Topuzes and his family reside in El Centro.

For more information about all of the SBA's programs for small businesses, visit the SBA's extensive Web site at http://www.sba.gov.

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