[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”22px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”CTA” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider color=”#397389″ divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_cta title=”Support the voice of family businesses in Washington D.C.! Join Family Enterprise USA to stay informed, engage with policymakers, and advocate for policies that protect generational businesses. Your membership makes a difference\u2014become a member today!” button_url=”https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/donate-2\/giving\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Join Now” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Call To Action Top” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”22px” background_color=”#397389″ custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#ff0019″ custom_margin=”-17px|||||” custom_padding=”16px||19px|||” global_module=”9695″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_divider color=”#397389″ divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ admin_label=”Author Byline” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.brownandstreza.com\/davidkeligian” link_option_url_new_window=”on” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Team-members-Pat-S.jpg” title_text=”Patricia M. Soldano” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Author” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
By Patricia M. Soldano<\/a> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Earlier this month I spent several days on Capitol Hill attending this year\u2019s first Congressional Family Business Caucus.<\/a> The atmosphere surrounding our nation\u2019s capital can best be described as quiet chaos.<\/p>\n Over 70 family business leaders and others attended the mid-March Caucus<\/a>, along with seven Congressional House Members<\/a> and all this as the country was on the verge of having no budget, the stock market shrinking, and new tariffs being added, or dropped, daily.<\/p>\n The Congressional Family Business Caucus<\/a> was formed three years ago and is a bipartisan, educational Caucus intended to bring awareness to the issues facing family-owned businesses.<\/p>\n This meeting, a breakfast panel discussion on women-owned family businesses, featured eight women-owned family business owners, as well as presentations on latest research from our Family Enterprise USA Annual Family Business Survey, and new consumer attitude research from our chief communications strategist and pollster, Dr. Frank Luntz.<\/p>\n The seven House members who stopped by to speak with, or greet, the attendees were Rep. Carol Miller<\/a> (R-WV), Stacey Plaskett,<\/a> (D-VI-AL), Brad Sherman,<\/a> (D-CA), and Brad Schneider,<\/a> (D-Ill). The others who attended and listened to family-owned business stories were Rep. Chuck Fleischmann<\/a> (R-TN), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks<\/a> (R-IA), Rep. Pete Stauber<\/a> (R-MN).<\/p>\n Last year, the Caucus was co-chaired by Reps. Jodey Arrington<\/a> (R-Texas), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Claudia Tenney<\/a> (R-N.Y.) and Henry Cuellar<\/a> (D-Texas). It has approximately 50 members and, with each new Congress it is hopeful that co-chairs will be announced soon.<\/p>\n This year, a key message we wanted to relay to Congress was the strength of women-owned family businesses, and the special challenges they face.<\/p>\n Women-owned businesses represent nearly 40% of all U.S. businesses \u2014 more than 14 million businesses in total \u2013 and account for $2.7 trillion in revenue, according to Wells Fargo Bank\u2019s 2024 \u201cImpact of Women-Owned Business Report.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The women-owned family businesses that spoke at the Caucus started with Debbie McKee<\/a>, the namesake of Little Debbie Cakes, based in Chattanooga, Tenn. \u00a0She was followed by Kimberly Smith,<\/a> President of Pipeline Development Company, Strongsville, Ohio, Angela Simmons,<\/a> owner and manager of ABS Legacy Partners, and Policy and Taxation Group Board member, and Rosana Biondo,<\/a> President, Mark One, in Kansas City.<\/p>\n These speakers were followed by Cheryl Osborn,<\/a> founder of Casco Contractors, Irvine, Calif., Meghan Hanna,<\/a> Evolve Wellness, based in Orange County, Calif., Bridget Herdman,<\/a> Herdman Architecture & Design, Corona del Mar, Calif., and Junette McCarthy<\/a> of McCarthy Wealth, Newport Beach, Calif.<\/p>\n Men who spoke at the event were Ken Monroe,<\/a> President of Holt of California, Stockton, California, and Robert Mancuso<\/a>, Chief Executive Officer, Capri Capital Partners, Palm Beach, Florida.<\/p>\n Off and Running<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the main features of the Congressional Family Business Caucus is to get a reading on the current political state of play and then to meet with specific House Members in their chambers.<\/p>\n The starting point in understanding how Congress works is to get to know the new Members of Congress, many of which were not in office when the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed.<\/p>\n Russ Sullivan and Mark Warren of the law and government relations firm, Brownstein, detailed the new players in town, while Caren Street and Michael Hawthorne, of Squire Patton Boggs, another top law and government relations firm, discussed how best to deliver key family-owned business messages across to their House Members.<\/p>\n New Family-owned Business Research<\/strong><\/p>\n Attendees were also privy to preliminary research results from our annual national study of family businesses, presented by FEUSA Director of Engagement, John Gugliada.<\/p>\n As we compile the full Family Enterprise USA Annual Family Business Survey, here are some quick snapshots of the results<\/p>\n The survey once again showed that family-owned businesses<\/a> survive better than most businesses. Early results show that 82% have been in business for 20 years or more, and 33% have been in business for between 50 and 100 years.<\/p>\n In addition, 90% of family-owned businesses<\/a> pay their employees above average or average wages and benefits, with 48% paying above average.<\/p>\n When it comes to the critical tax policies affecting America\u2019s family-owned businesses,<\/a> the most concern centers on high income taxes. The survey found 47% mentioned personal income taxes as their number one most important issue or concern. This is a 15% jump from our survey last year, which had 41% of respondents saying personal income tax rates were a top concern.<\/p>\n The second most important issue was the Estate, or Death, Tax, which registered as number one with 14% of the survey respondents. This is down from 19% last year.<\/p>\n The worry over Capital Gains remained steady at 12% and was ranked third as a top concern. Last year, the survey found 13% mentioning this as a most important issue.<\/p>\n High Trust Factor<\/strong><\/p>\n In another survey, 1,000 consumers were polled for Family Enterprise USA by our communications expert, Dr. Frank Luntz, who filled the room with 20 West Point Cadets touring Capitol Hill with him.<\/p>\n Highlights from this report reveal family-owned businesses<\/a> are 78% more trusted by consumers than regular corporations.<\/p>\n The survey also found the American Dream lives on with family-owned businesses.<\/a><\/p>\n The Luntz survey found that 91% of respondents believe family-owned businesses<\/a> are what\u2019s great about America, that is, \u201cthe idea that you can start something from nothing and pass it on to the next generation.\u201d<\/p>\n The most important finding in this survey might be that American\u2019s agree that it is \u201cunfair that family-owned businesses<\/a> pay a higher tax rate than regular corporations.\u201d<\/p>\n When asked this question, 84% agreed with the premise that \u201cfamily-owned businesses<\/a> should not have to pay more in taxes than corporations.\u201d<\/p>\n To those who attended this first Caucus meeting for family-owned businesses<\/a> one thing became very clear: you must engage with your legislative leaders on a personal, one-to-one basis if you want your message heard.<\/p>\n There is nothing stronger than looking your representative in the eye, in their office, on their turf, and telling them what is important to you, the taxpayer, and family-owned business leader.\u00a0<\/p>\n Sometimes they even listen.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider divider_style=”dotted” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Become a member text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” link_option_url=”https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/donate-2\/” global_module=”5822″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As we prepare for what promises to be a pivotal year for America, we’re asking you to consider becoming a member.<\/p>\n The need for fact-based reporting of issues important to family owned businesses<\/a> and protecting a lifetime of savings<\/a> has never been greater. Now more than ever, successful families<\/a> and family owned businesses<\/a> are under fire. That’s why Family Enterprise USA<\/a> is passionately working to increase the awareness of issues important to family owned businesses<\/a> built on hard work, while continuing to strengthen our presence on Capitol Hill. The issues we fight for or against with Congress in Washington DC include high income tax rates<\/a>, possible elimination of valuation discounts, increase in capital gains tax<\/a>, enactment of a wealth tax<\/a>, and the continued burden of the gift tax<\/a>, estate tax<\/a> and generation skipping tax<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/donate\/” button_text=”Become a Family Enterprise USA Member” button_alignment=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Become FEUSA member button” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” global_module=”6503″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_divider divider_style=”dotted” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_video_slider disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Video Slider Family Business Stories 1″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”5963″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video_slider_item src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3k9d1tFz5AU&t=22s” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” show_image_overlay=”off”][\/et_pb_video_slider_item][et_pb_video_slider_item src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kG0lDKbmJxg” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” show_image_overlay=”off”][\/et_pb_video_slider_item][et_pb_video_slider_item src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HFK8SG1VSco” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” show_image_overlay=”off”][\/et_pb_video_slider_item][et_pb_video_slider_item src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Z15BqbFOYck” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” show_image_overlay=”off”][\/et_pb_video_slider_item][et_pb_video_slider_item src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=bsn5xYrxhJg” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” show_image_overlay=”off”][\/et_pb_video_slider_item][et_pb_video_slider_item src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PL3K3rK7ioA&t=5s” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” show_image_overlay=”off”][\/et_pb_video_slider_item][et_pb_video_slider_item src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=CpXRbRBhPKc” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” show_image_overlay=”off”][\/et_pb_video_slider_item][\/et_pb_video_slider][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”FEUSA Statement” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” link_option_url=”https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/donate-2\/” global_module=”5910″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Family Enterprise USA<\/a> promotes generationally<\/a> owned family business<\/a> creation, growth, viability, and sustainability by advocating for family businesses<\/a> and their lifetime of savings with Congress<\/a> in Washington DC.\u00a0 Since 2007, Family Enterprise USA<\/a> has represented and celebrated\u00a0all sizes, professions and industries of family-owned enterprises and multi-generational<\/a> employers. It is a bi-partisan 501.c3 organization.\u00a0Family foundations can donate.<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Hash tags & Tags” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”6498″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n #incometax #CapitalGainsTax #R&DExpensing #DontPunishSuccess #GrantorTrusts #StepUpinBasis #likeKindExchanges #AcceleratedDepreciation #EstateTax #Deathtax #wealthtax #taxLegislation #CongressionalCaucus #incometaxrates #repealestatetax #AdvocatingForFamilyBusinesses #FamilyOwnedBusiness #WomenOwnedBusiness @FamilyEnterpriseUSA #FamilyEnterpriseUSA<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Patricia M. Soldano President Family Enterprise USACapitol Hill Caucus Meeting Gives Family-Owned Business Leaders a Chance to Talk to Directly with Policy Makers Seven House Members Meet with Attendees to Hear Critical Issues affecting Family-Owned Businesses; New Research Revealed Earlier this month I spent several days on Capitol Hill attending this year\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":13782,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[48,102,3,92,76,94,36],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13772","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family-businesses","category-family-business-caucus","category-feusa","category-multi-generational-business","category-income-taxes","category-pat-soldano","category-taxes"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13772","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13772"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13772\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13784,"href":"https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13772\/revisions\/13784"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13782"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13772"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13772"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/familyenterpriseusa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13772"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n<\/strong>President<\/em>
\nFamily Enterprise USA<\/p>\nCapitol Hill Caucus Meeting Gives Family-Owned Business Leaders a Chance to Talk to Directly with Policy Makers<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Seven House Members Meet with Attendees to Hear Critical Issues affecting Family-Owned Businesses; New Research Revealed<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
We hope you’ve enjoyed this article. While you’re here, we have a small favor to ask…<\/em><\/h4>\n
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