About The Small Business Legislative Council
Who We Are
The Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC) is an independent, permanent coalition of trade and professional associations that share a common concern for the future of small business and privately owned business. The purpose of SBLC is twofold: First, to consolidate the strength and maximize the influence of business on Federal legislative and regulatory policy issues of importance to the entire small business community; second, to disseminate information on the impact of public policy on small business.
Since its creation in 1976, the SBLC has grown dramatically to represent nearly every sector of our economy including manufacturing, retailing, distribution, professional and technical services, agriculture, transportation, tourism, and construction. The SBLC is a unified force that is respected throughout the government. The SBLC’s views are sought and its opinions are valued by those in government who must decide how the laws of this nation are enacted and enforced.
What We Do
Advocate for Small and Privately Owned Businesses in Washington, D.C. on a wide range of matters including taxes, liability insurance, budget, antitrust enforcement, employment issues, government procurement, access to capital, environment, immigration issues, infrastructure, venture capital, small business financing mechanisms and more. Any issue of importance to small business and privately owned business in general is important to SBLC.
Educate and Consult with Policy Makers about issues important to small and privately owned business and the impact of existing and proposed policies on those businesses by testifying at Congressional hearings, meeting directly with members of Congress, agencies, and their staffs, and preparing issue papers.
Monitor and Act on Legislative and Administrative Developments as they happen to ensure that our members’ interests are protected and the voice of small and privately owned business is heard.
Report Back to Our Member Organizations with detailed information and analysis of recent developments that our members can share with and use to educate their own members.
Serve as a Unified Voice for Small Business by consolidating and utilizing the strengths and connections of our member to promote the interests of small and privately owned business.
2026 SBLC Priorities
Taxes
Protect and expand pro-growth tax policies that benefit small business.
Regulations
Work with the new Trump Administration to reform and reduce burdensome regulations on small business.
Competitiveness
Provide SBLC Members with resources and education related to new policy directions in Washington, D.C., specifically focusing on tariffs, energy, and workforce.
2026 SBLC Officers
Chair– Eric Snyder,
Specialty Equipment Market Association
Immediate Past Chair– Jim Johnson,
National Electrical Manufacturers
Representatives Association
Vice-Chair– Jason Blake,
Petroleum Equipment Institute
Treasurer– Jason Ortega,
National Wooden Pallet & Container Association
Secretary– Brian McGuire,
Associated Equipment Distributors
Strategic Policy Director– Matthew Morgan,
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
General Counsel– Barbara Dunn,
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
SBLC Members
AICC, The Independent Packaging Association
Alexandria, VA- 8,000 Members
Associated Equipment Distributors (AED)
Schaumburg, IL- 940 Members
America's Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
Burke, VA- 1,000 Members
American Subcontractors Association (ASA)
Alexandria, VA- 3,500 Members
Energy Marketers of America (EMA)
Washington, DC- 48 Members
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA)
Washington, DC- 50,000 Members
Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry (MAFSI)
Atlanta, GA- 550 Members
Marine Retailers Association of Americas (MRAA)
Minneapolis, MN- 540 Members
National Association Electrical Distributors (NAED)
St. Louis, MO- 662 Members
North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM)
Chicago, IL- 500 Members
National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
Chicago, IL- 500 Members
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
Washington, DC- 4,000 Members
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
Arlington, VA- 325 Members
National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA)
Carmel, IN- 500 Members
National Grocers Association (NGA)
Washington, DC- 9,500 Members
National Marine Distributors Association(NMDA)
Knoxville, TN- 132 Members
National Wooden Pallet & Container Association(NWPCA)
Alexandria, VA- 800 Members
Outdoor Power Equipment & Engine Service Association(OPEESA)
Knoxville, TN- 75 Members
Petroleum Equipment Institute(PEI)
Tulsa, OK- 1,600 Members
Saturation Mailers’ Coalition (SMC)
Minneapolis, MN- 25 Members
Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (SLMA)
Peachtree City, GA- 90 Members
Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)
Diamond Bar, CA- 7,000 Members
Textile Care Allied Trade Association (TCATA)
Charlotte, NC- 140 Members
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI)
Arlington, VA- 245 Members
Tire Industry Association (TIA)
Bowie, MD- 14,000 Members
