ARA’s Jacob Shevin joins Small Business Commission, next listening session set for Jan. 15

The Alabama Small Business Commission is conducting listening sessions throughout the state.

The commission, which includes the Alabama Retail Association’s outgoing chairman, Jacob Shevin, was created in 2014 to formulate policy that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, while addressing issues critical to the success and growth of small businesses. The Alabama Legislature returns for its regular session Feb. 4.

Please take advantage of this opportunity to share your needs and concerns about matters that affect your business,” urges Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth. “I would like to hear directly from small business owners.”

Alabama Small Business Commission
Community Listening Sessions

All sessions begin at 10 a.m.

  • Monday, Dec. 2: Guntersville Senior Center, 1503 Sunset Drive, Guntersville, AL, 35976 (Sponsored by Citizen Bank and Trust)
  • Wednesday, Jan. 15: Auburn University CASIC Building, Room 109, 559 Devall Drive, Auburn, AL 36849 (Sponsored by the Energy Institute of Alabama)
  • Wednesday, Jan. 22: Shelton State Community College, Martin Campus, Room 1920, 9500 Old Greensboro Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (Sponsored by NFIB)
  • Wednesday, Jan. 29: 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 5 Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (Sponsored by Alabama Power Co.)

The Alabama Retail Association recommends one appointment to the commission. Jacob Shevin, president of Standard Furniture Co., which has 14 stores in Alabama and Tennessee, is our appointee on the commission.

Other Alabama Retail members on the commission include state Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, owner of Southern Accents Architectural Antiques in Cullman, who was appointed by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston; and Jim Dunklin, whose family owns Greenville Hardware. Dunklin, who is also regional president of First Citizens Bank of Luverne, was recommended by the Alabama Bankers Association.

The commission is made up of Alabama-based small and independent business owners who serve two-year terms with the option of a two-year reappointment.

The commission advises state government on policies related to small business and seeks to remove obstacles to the progress of small business in Alabama.