AUGUSTA — Maine State Chamber of Commerce President Dana Connors, an Easton native, was honored this week with a Champion of Small Business award from the National Coalition for Capital.
Connors and 34 fellow legislators and officials from across the nation were recognized for their leadership at the annual National Coalition for Capital Awards Ceremony on Aug. 19, in Minneapolis. Champion of Small Business awards recognize individuals for demonstrating leadership in supporting policies and initiatives designed to promote access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those in economically distressed communities.
“This award recognizes Dana’s important work to preserve and create jobs through access to capital policy that helps Maine small businesses grow and develop,” said Greg McIlvaine, president of the National Coalition for Capital. “Dana has demonstrated he is a champion of small business, and his efforts will have an enduring positive impact on Maine.”
Connors leads Maine’s largest and most diverse business association. He oversees the Maine State Chamber’s broad range of activities: advocacy efforts, economic development initiatives, workforce development opportunities, and a wide variety of member services on behalf of the state’s business community. Connors began his career as the city manager of Presque Isle and then as commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation.
“Now more than ever, it’s critical that elected officials do their part to advance innovative access to capital policies that allow small businesses to grow and prosper,” said Connors. “I am pleased to be among those honored for supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs as they strive to preserve and grow jobs in their communities.”
Connors was joined at the ceremony by Maine State Sens. Andre Cushing and Stan Gerzofsky, as well as Maine State Rep. Barry Hobbins.
