Schilling to Host Small Biz Cmte Chairman Graves

Congressmen to visit Sterling's Kitchen Incubator, host business roundtable in Rock Island

Washington, DC - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17), a member of the House Committee on Small Business, next week will host the Committee's Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06) in western and northern Illinois for discussions with local business owners on what government can do to empower the private sector, spur job creation, and grow the economy.  Schilling and his family own and operate Saint Giuseppe's Heavenly Pizzeria in Moline, Illinois.  His experience as a small business owner shapes his understanding of government and its purpose.  Schilling was named to his third Committee, the Small Business Committee, in September 2011, and has hosted a number of business roundtables since taking office a year and a half ago.

"My top priority is creating an environment that promotes economic growth and private sector job creation," Schilling said.  "I'm honored to serve on the Small Business Committee, and look forward to welcoming Chairman Graves to our area for discussions on what government policies and the private sector, when working together, can do to promote long-term economic growth and put Illinoisans back to work."

• Monday June 11, 2012: Chairman Graves and Rep. Schilling visit and tour Kitchen Incubator of Northwest Illinois, 1741 Industrial Drive in Sterling, from 1:00- 2:15pm CST.  Northwest Illinois is abundant with agricultural resources and individuals promoting local foods initiatives.  The Kitchen Incubator is the newest regional asset to further develop local foods business in Illinois, helping to grow businesses and create jobs.  This tour is open to the media, and there will also be a media availability from 2:00-2:15pm.

• Tuesday June 12, 2012: Chairman Graves and Rep. Schilling will host a business roundtable at the Hy-Vee Club Room, 2930 18th Avenue in Rock Island, from 8:00-9:00am CST.  Whether in roundtables, hearings, or elsewhere Graves, Schilling, and other members of the Small Business Committee are always seeking feedback on how the government helps or harms their businesses, and launched the Small Biz Open Mic as a platform for business leaders to express concerns or suggestions.  While press is welcome to cover the event, in order to respect the privacy of participants please treat business owners' direct quotes as "off the record" unless specifically approved for attribution by the speakers.

Press interested in attending either event should contact Andie Pivarunas with any questions and to RSVP.