Wendy Homeyer hired as state director of NFIB/South Carolina
June 23, 2008
Government relations consultant to lead state’s largest small business association
COLUMBIA, SC – June 23, 2008 – Wendy Nipper Homeyer, founder of the government relations firm Homeyer Strategy Group LLC of Columbia, has been hired as state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, effective July 1. She succeeds Jay W. Ragley, who left in December 2007.
Homeyer previously was executive director of the Palmetto Leadership Council, a pro-business political action committee, where she increased membership 100 percent in five months and created and managed one of the largest PACs in South Carolina.
Before that, Homeyer served as the public information officer for South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness, a comprehensive results-oriented initiative for improving early childhood development. Homeyer also worked for President Bush in the White House Office of Media Affairs and the White House Office of Global Communications from 2001-03.
“Wendy’s experience as both a small business owner and government relations professional in Columbia makes her a perfect choice to lead South Carolina’s leading small business association,” said Gary Selvy, NFIB’s Regional Public Policy Director. “Wendy will serve NFIB’s nearly 5,000 members throughout the Palmetto State well.”
Homeyer said her first priority will be meeting with NFIB/South Carolina members and learning more about the issues affecting them. “NFIB really does represent the lifeblood of the state’s economy,” Homeyer said. “Seventy-two percent of our members in South Carolina have fewer than 10 employees.
“Our members are entrepreneurs and people with small businesses who simply want to provide for their families,” she said. “The National Federation of Independent Business is unique in its mission to promote and protect the right of its members to own, operate and grow their businesses.
“NFIB has built significant momentum in South Carolina with significant victories, such as the bill allowing small business owners to form associations and negotiate with health insurers,” Homeyer said. “I look forward to building on that momentum and representing our members in Columbia.”
Homeyer holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina. She is married to Benjamin Homeyer, and they have one daughter, Sophie.
NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.
CONTACT:
Gary Selvy (615) 872-5326
Todd Pack (615) 872-5897
