WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Office of Advocacy is pleased to announce that Michael Vallante has been named Region 4 Advocate. Representing Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, Vallante will be the link between southern small businesses and the Office of Advocacy.
Vallante is the owner of a public affairs and strategic consulting firm that provides services to small businesses across the country. He previously served as SBA Regional Administrator in the Pacific West (Region 9) as well as Associate Administrator in charge of all SBA’s Office of Field Operations for two years. Vallante’s small business experience provides him with a first-hand perspective of the needs and challenges of small businesses.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Michael Vallante as Region 4 Advocate to the Office of Advocacy,” said Deputy Chief Counsel Chip Bishop, III. “As a CEO of a firm that works with small businesses regularly, Vallante’s expertise will be a great resource for Advocacy. He can use his voice to champion innovation and empower entrepreneurs to speak on regulatory issues impacting small businesses.”
“As a strategic consultant, I’ve always believed that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They bring innovation and agility to the marketplace. Advocating for small business is not just about supporting entrepreneurship, it’s about empowering small businesses who are the engine of our economy and the heart of our communities.” Vallante said.
Vallante will be based out of Huntsville, Alabama, and can be reached at Michael.Vallante@sba.gov.
Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC, support the Chief Counsel’s efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit advocacy.sba.gov, or call (202) 205-6533.