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    Rep. Tim Melton RECEIVES champion of small business AWARD                         From The National Coalition for Capital
      
Awards recognize visionary leaders for their ongoing efforts to promote     economic development in states across the country 

PONTIAC, Mich., July 22, 2009 - Representative Tim Melton (D-Pontiac) was recently honored with a "Champion of Small Business" Award from the National Coalition for Capital. Rep. Melton and 24 other elected officials and community leaders from around the nation were recognized for their efforts at the National Coalition for Capital Awards Ceremony and Dinner, held on July 21st at The Capital Grille in Philadelphia, Pa. The Champion of Small Business Awards recognize individuals for taking a leadership role in supporting innovative economic development initiatives designed to encourage the growth of emerging businesses. 

"Rep. Melton and the other winners of this award are doing important work in underserved communities across the country, during particularly challenging economic times," said Ben Dupuy, executive director of the National Coalition for Capital. "Melton is a true champion of small business development and his  advocacy will continue to have a measurable impact on access to capital in Michigan, leading to job creation and business growth in the communities that need it most."

Rep. Tim Melton represents Michigan's 29^th District, covering the cities of Pontiac, Auburn Hills and parts of Oakland County. First elected to the House in 2006, Melton previously sat on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Currently, he chairs the Education Committee and serves on the Energy and Technology, Regulatory Reform and Tax Policy Committees. Rep. Melton has taken a leadership role in bringing a state New Markets program to small businesses in Michigan's low-income communities over the last two years at a time when capital for those businesses has become increasingly scarce.

"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 Melton. "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." 

The National Coalition for Capital (NCFC) is a non-profit, nationwide coalition of leaders supporting economic development and job creation through long-term access to capital for entrepreneurs and emerging companies. NCFC's mission includes serving as a resource for promising small and emerging companies, entrepreneurs, investors, economic developers, and other stakeholders within the nation's emerging infrastructure. To learn more about NCFC, visit www.nationalcoalitionforcapital.org

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