***Please note that for this meeting, we have been moved to the Galleria conference room, which is just off the main lobby ​in the front portion of the hotel. Please make sure to go to the front entrance instead of the Conference Center! We will be back in our regular room in the Conference Center again starting next month.***

National Outlook: A View from the Trump Administration & The Business of Advocacy for Small Businesses

Hon. Phil Lovas, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, Regional Advocate, Region IX

Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy (OA) of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. The SBA OA advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers; and performs economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach to help identify issues of concern.  Recognizing that state and local governments can be a source of burdensome regulations, the OA works with policymakers to bring regulatory flexibility to the states.

Former Arizona State Representative Phil Lovas was appointed to serve as the Regional Advocate for Region IX and has been working diligently to ensure that the voices of small business are being heard in all regulatory matters, including the Waters of the U.S., CERCLA 108(b), etc.  He will provide an overview of how he can effectively serve you as your Regional Advocate, share what accomplishments OA has experienced over the years, and discuss the regulatory issues on which he is currently needing your input.

Commission Update

Hon. Tom Forese, Chairman & Commissioner, Arizona Corporation Commission

Unlike most other states, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) has responsibilities that go beyond traditional public utilities regulation, such as facilitating the incorporation of businesses and organizations, securities regulation and railroad/pipeline safety.  By virtue of the Arizona Constitution, the Commissioners function in an Executive capacity, they adopt rules and regulations thereby functioning in a Legislative capacity, and they also act in a Judicial capacity sitting as a tribunal and making decisions in contested matters, including energy and water issues.

Chairman Tom Forese will provide an update on some exciting developments occurring at the ACC and the important discussions happening regarding Arizona’s water and energy resources.