Central Valley congressman names small business advisory panel

LODI
April 6, 2007 7:30am

U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, has appointed an advisory board of small business owners and business development officials that he says will keep him current with issues facing small businesses.

“Small businesses are the engine of our American economy, generating between sixty and eighty percent of all new jobs created in the country,” says Mr. McNerney. “I want to work in Congress to encourage the growth of small businesses. That begins with understanding the unique challenges small businesses face.”

The members of Mr. McNerney’s small business advisory committee are:

• Oscar Anzaldo, owner, Anzaldo OP, LLC, Tracy

• Mark Chandler, CEO, Lodi Woodbridge Winegrape Commission

• Dan Ehrler, president and CEO, Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce

• Ann Johnston, owner, Balloonery, Stockton

• Eldon Kuntz, owner, West Lane Towing, Stockton

• David Lucas and Heather Pyle, owners, Lucas Winery, Lodi

• Mark Martinez, president, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Stockton

• Linda Maurer, economic development manager, city of Brentwood

• Debby Moorhead, CEO, Manteca Chamber of Commerce

• Gillian Murphy, director, San Joaquin Delta College Small Business Development Center, Stockton

• Melony Newman, president and CEO, Danville Chamber of Commerce

• Otis Nostrand, owner, Hopyard Ale House, Pleasanton

• Carol Ornelas, CEO, Visionary Home Builders, Stockton

• Dan Perez, owner, Rollin’ in Dough Eats, Sweets and Treats, Lodi

Mr. McNerney says he plans to meet with members of the small business advisory board several times throughout the year and will call upon board members on a more frequent and informal basis as issues and legislation arise in Congress.