09/28/2016
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway met with leaders of the business communities in counties across northwest Missouri to discuss issues related to small business development and growth, including an ongoing follow-up audit of the Missouri Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board.
Auditor Galloway's small business tour included stops at Platte and Andrew County businesses, including Bee Creek Cafe & Bakery in Platte City, where she met with representatives of the Platte City Chamber of Commerce and local leaders. The auditor also toured Urban Daisy Decorative Redos and Revivals, an upcycled furniture and home décor shop in Savannah, where she met with representatives of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce.
In Buchanan County, Auditor Galloway participated in a small business roundtable discussion hosted by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, as well as a tour of Missouri Star Quilting Company in Hamilton, located in Caldwell County. The two-day, eight-county trip also included stops in Atchison, Daviess, DeKalb and Holt counties.
The tour is part of an effort to gather input from small business owners and entrepreneurs across the state to assist in a collaborative effort to make recommendations and improve operations and service of the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board.
"No one knows small businesses better than the people who run them, and that's why I've made it a priority to visit with business owners in their communities to get input on the issues that matter most to them," Auditor Galloway said. "As we saw in the results of my audit, the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board has been unable to fulfill its obligation to serve as an advocate for small business owners. We know it's critical to the health of our economy that we promote an environment where small businesses can thrive, and that starts by making the regulatory process less burdensome, and getting input as we move forward with recommendations to improve the board's operations."
The Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board was created to serve as an advocate for small businesses across Missouri but has not fulfilled its obligations under the law, and has been plagued with issues that have undermined its effectiveness. In May, Auditor Galloway shared the results of an audit of the board, which found sub-par operations due to inadequate staffing, board vacancies and lapsed terms, and a general lack of support for the board's statutorily required duties. Because the board received a rating of poor, the lowest available, a follow-up audit will be conducted to determine whether recommendations have been implemented.
To provide input or information for consideration during the course of the follow-up audit, contact the State Auditor's Office at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or by calling 800-347-8597.
