07/21/2016
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway met with leaders of the business communities in St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve Counties today 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 a discussion with the Farmington Chamber of Commerce at their monthly meeting, a tour of Eric Scott Leathers, a local leather manufacturer in Ste. Genevieve, and a small business roundtable discussion with members of the Ste. Genevieve Chamber of Commerce.
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.
"My audit of the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board found the board was unable to fulfill its obligation to serve as an advocate for small business owners," Auditor Galloway said. "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 on business owners, allowing them the opportunity for growth and success. No one knows small businesses better than the people who run them, and that's why it's so important they have this opportunity to provide input as we move forward with recommendations and improvements to the board."
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.
