Contact: Bob Keener, 617-610-6766, bob@businessforafairminimumwage.org
Washington, DC, November 4, 2014 – With voters expected to approve state minimum wage raises in Alaska, Arkansas, Nebraska and South Dakota as well as a statewide non-binding ballot measure in Illinois, Business for a Fair Minimum Wage (BFMW) leaders and members made statements underscoring the benefits to business and signaling strong support for future action in the states and at the federal level.
“These minimum wage wins will send a clear message: Americans across the political spectrum want to raise the minimum wage,” said Holly Sklar, CEO of Business for a Fair Minimum Wage. “There is growing public awareness about the business benefits of increasing minimum wage such as boosting consumer demand, reducing worker turnover and increasing productivity. Nationally, 61 percent of small business owners want to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 and adjust it for the cost of living in future years. It’s time for Congress to follow the public’s lead and vote to give America a raise.”
Dave Titterington, Owner of Wild Bird Habitat Stores in Lincoln, Nebraska, said, “We’ve been in business for 21 years. Paying a fair wage increases our employees’ respect for us as owners and for our business and customers. It’s a win/win proposition. Raising the minimum wage will increase worker productivity and provide employees with more dollars to put back into the economy.”
Frank Knapp, Jr., President and CEO of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 5,000 businesses, said, “This election shows that increasing the minimum wage is not a Red State versus Blue State issue. It’s a common sense, good business issue. Raising the minimum wage improves consumer demand, which is how Main Street businesses grow. We look forward to building on this momentum to gradually increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10.”
Dmitri Syrkin-Nikolau, Founder and CEO of Dimo's Pizza in Chicago, Illinois, said, “As a small business owner, I know that running a business by keeping employees in poverty hurts economic growth as a whole. We need lawmakers to understand the value of a healthy employer/employee relationship and pass legislation like raising the minimum wage that ensures this relationship flourishes.”
Chris Sommers, Co-Founder of Euclid Hospitality Group/Pi Pizzeria in St. Louis, Missouri; Washington, DC; Cincinnati, Ohio; Miami Beach, Florida (opening soon), said, “Raising the minimum wage is the difference between people scraping by and getting ahead. When more people can afford the essentials in life and more, we all do better. Raising the minimum wage is good for business and the economy. We want the next Congress to take action!”
Adam Hintz, Owner of Meadowlark Coffee in Lincoln, Nebraska, said, “After nine years of owning a small business, I know you need to take care of the people who take care of you. Raising the minimum wage will help hardworking people make ends meet and make for healthier, safer communities.”
The most recent poll of small business owners (PDF) shows very strong support (61%) nationwide for raising the minimum wage to $10.10 and adjusting it for cost-of-living increases.
More than 1,000 business owners and national, state and local business organizations have signed a petition to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10.
Business for a Fair Minimum Wage is a national network of business organizations, business owners and executives who believe a fair minimum wage makes good business sense, including: Costco, Eileen Fisher, Ben & Jerry's, Dansko footwear, South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, New Belgium Brewing, Seventh Generation, Parnassus Investments, Organic Valley, Zingerman's, American Sustainable Business Council, Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Alliance, ABC Home, National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Trade Association, Uncommon Goods, Spectronics Corporation, American Income Life, Vintage Vinyl, Lamey-Wellehan Shoes, independent ACE Hardware stores in various states, and many others.
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Members of Business for a Fair Minimum Wage across the country are available for comment and/or television and radio booking. Please contact Bob Keener, 617-610-6766, bob@businessforafairminimumwage.org.