DeKalb Chamber convened more than 20 business owners, entrepreneurs and business advocates for a roundtable discussion with Congresswoman Lucy McBath on July 30 at Corporate Environment Risk Management (CERM) in Tucker.

“We are appreciative for the opportunity to have hosted this business roundtable and tour CERM with Managing Director and Founder, Al Edwards. Congresswoman McBath’s intentional actions around business in the 6th District are not only great for the DeKalb business community, but it creates a platform for more substantial work and advocacy to get done,” said Katerina Taylor, President & CEO of DeKalb Chamber. “As we look for ways to stimulate and diversify our business community, we know these ongoing conversations will help us focus on crafting and supporting the right policies.”

The group voiced their concerns around finding a qualified and ready workforce and specialized job training for niche markets; creating a funding model for entrepreneurs, small businesses and scaling businesses; securing government contracting opportunities for women- and minority-owned businesses; identifying possible legislation that close a gap for women and minorities that are A(8) certified businesses and more.
 
“I want to thank Katerina and the entire DeKalb small business community for convening today’s discussion,” McBath said. “I was grateful to hear from so many representatives of the thriving business community here in Georgia’s sixth district. I look forward to championing more legislative priorities that will deliver more federal dollars and resources to the district and ensure our small businesses have the tools they need to succeed.”

Congresswoman McBath toured CERM, an environmental engineering firm, and learned how the small business started with three employees in 1995 and grew to employ more than 100 employees with work in Alabama and Florida. The roundtable also served as an opportunity for Congresswoman McBath to learn about the work of other businesses in her district.