WHEREAS, the people of the State of Connecticut deserve a strong economy comprised of a wide diversity of business organizations; and

            WHEREAS, the small business is the engine that drives economic growth; and

WHEREAS, the small businesses of our state deserve to have their specific needs addressed; and

WHEREAS, the Small Business Advisory Council (the Council) was terminated by the General Assembly in 1994; and

NOW THEREFORE, I, John G. Rowland, Governor of the State of Connecticut, acting by virtue of the authority vested in me by the constitution and by the statutes of this state, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT that:

1.                  This Executive Order shall supercede Executive Order Nos. 7 and 7-A.

2.                  There shall continue to be a Small Business Advisory Council responsible for raising issues of concern to the creation and expansion of small businesses.

3.                  The Council shall review appropriate Department programs and offer recommendations for the improvement of services to small businesses.

4.                  The Council shall inform the Commissioner of Economic Development and the Governor of significant issues and trends affecting small businesses.

5.                  The Council shall consist of twenty-two members appointed by the Governor and the chairmen of the joint standing committee of the general assembly having cognizance of matters relating to economic development or their designees. Members appointed by the Governor shall have experience related to small businesses and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Governor shall appoint the chairperson.

6.                  The Council has the authority to (a) obtain from any executive branch department, board, and commission or other agency of the state such assistance and data as will enable it to carry out the purposes of this executive order; (b) accept any gifts, donations, bequests or grants of funds from private and public agencies for all or any of the purposes of this executive order; and (c) to perform such other acts as may be necessary and appropriate to carry out the objectives and purposes of this Executive Order, including the ability to charge fees for participation in events sponsored by the Council. Any fees charged shall not exceed the cost of the event.

7.                  The Council shall hold at least two meeting each year; one prior to the opening of the legislative session and one subsequent to the legislative session.

Dated at Hartford, Connecticut, September 26, 2003.

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John G. Rowland, Governor

By His Excellency's Command

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Susan Bysiewicz, Secretary of the State