April 9, 1997
Washington, D.C. -- The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), which represents 320,000 of the smallest of small businesses nationwide, today awarded former Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator and Deputy White House Chief of Staff, Philip Lader, its Small Business Advocate of the Year Award for his efforts in 1996.
"Phil Lader's service to the small business community has benefited the entire country," said NASE President Bennie L. Thayer. "He was a leading voice during his service in the Clinton Administration for the importance of small business as the primary growth vehicle in the U.S. economy. His strong leadership on small business at the highest level of the Administration helped implement that view."
The award is given each year to an outstanding leader for small business, in recognition of unique contributions to the small business community. Mr. Lader's award recognizes his efforts last year in promoting the reinvention and simplification of regulations within the Small Business Administration, and for the expansion of the small business lending programs.
"Phil Lader's expansion of the small business lending programs was an essential step in giving more people the chance to succeed in starting up their own business. It's an American Dream to own your own business, but so many people simply lack the capital to even think about starting up a business," noted Thayer. "Phil Lader has helped to provide these individuals with additional capital, hope for survival, and a chance to fulfill a dream."
As Deputy White House Chief of Staff, prior to coming to SBA, Lader also played a prominent role in Vice-President Gore's "Reinventing Government" efforts. There, Lader was a key figure in the Clinton Administration's decision to support strengthening of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, a step that was finally taken in 1995.
The newly strengthened law will help protect small businesses from excessive government paperwork and overregulation. Mr. Lader stepped down as Administrator of the SBA late last year to pursue other interests in the private sector, and he was recently replaced by Aida Alvarez. He served for two years before resigning. His predecessor was Erskine Bowles, the current White House Chief of Staff.
"We are proud to recognize such a fine small business leader, and friend, with this award. We at the NASE wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors," concluded Thayer.
# # #
Go to News page.