Mitchell Attends SCORE’s 2010 Phoenix Green Business Forum; Highlights Arizona Small Businesses, Green-Energy Industries

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – September 29, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell today attended SCORE’s 2010 Phoenix Green Business Forum at Skysong in Scottsdale, highlighting the economic importance of local small businesses, as well as green energy industries.  Approximately 100 people attended presentations from experts from Arizona’s burgeoning solar and green-energy industries.

“Green-energy industries and small businesses play a critical role in growing our economy and creating new jobs here in Arizona,” Mitchell said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and will lead the job growth that fuels the recovery.  As a member of Congress, I have supported unprecedented investments in renewable energy incentives and in scientific research and development of new energy-saving technologies, and have been working to get small businesses the tools and resources they need to prosper.”

SCORE is a national nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of the nation’s small businesses.  SCORE’s 2010 Green Business event gave local small business owners and entrepreneurism a forum to discuss ways to seek out and create new markets, as well as jobs.  Participants were also able to hear expert speakers explain how they have successfully gone green and been growing their businesses in Arizona.

Mitchell has been a strong advocate for Arizona small businesses and entrepreneurs.  Mitchell is a cosponsor of H.R. 1836, the Payroll Holiday Tax Act of 2009, which would eliminate the employment and self-employment tax on small businesses with less than 50 employees for six months. The bill is currently pending before the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Mitchell also cosponsored and voted for legislation to extend the net operating loss (NOL) carryback. Mitchell cosponsored H.R. 2452, the Net Operating Loss (NOL) Carryback Act, which would expand and extend the carryback for small businesses, enabling them to carry their recent losses forward for up to 5 years, instead of 2.  The bill was ultimately included as part of the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act, H.R. 3548, which Mitchell voted for on November 5, 2009 [Source: Roll Call No. 859].  The measure is now Public Law Number 111-92.

Mitchell’s pro-growth, pro-business voting record has also been recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Earlier this year, the Chamber lauded Mitchell with its coveted “Spirit of Enterprise” Award for his pro-growth, pro-business voting record.  Mitchell scored the highest of anyone in the Arizona Congressional delegation, including both the House and Senate, Republicans and Democrats. [Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, April 27, 2010]