Author Archives: Dan Danner

About Dan Danner

Donald A. "Dan" Danner was named president and CEO of the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation's leading small business association, in February, 2009. Danner is only the sixth president in the history of the organization. Before rising to the top spot, Danner was executive vice president, overseeing NFIB's federal and state public policy and political activities as well as the organization's three 501 (c) 3 operations: the Research Foundation, Small Business Legal Center and the Young Entrepreneur Foundation. He came to NFIB in 1993 as vice president of the NFIB Education Foundation (now known as the Young Entrepreneur Foundation) and was named vice president of federal public policy in 1995. Previously, he was chief of staff to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Danner also worked in the White House Office of Public Liaison, where he was special assistant to the president and deputy director of the department. Before joining the White House staff, Danner was an executive with Armco Inc., a steel manufacturing company. He held leadership positions in sales and marketing, as well as state and federal lobbying on issues such as energy, environment, taxes and trade. He also served four years as vice president of federal relations at George Mason University. A native of Middletown, Ohio, Danner holds an MBA degree from Xavier University and an electrical engineering degree from Purdue University.

Yes, You Built It. Now Vote to Make Sure You Keep It

I hope you watched the presidential debates. They have been interesting and entertaining. But sometimes they were downright frightening for small-business owners. Like when President Obama admitted that if re-elected, he will accelerate his policies that take your earnings and … Continue reading

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Wanted: Leadership that Makes a Difference for Small Business

Most of us were taught, as children, that “If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.” Those who own and run their own businesses are particularly mindful of this age-old truth. Which is why many small-business owners … Continue reading

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Election 2012: Do Big Things For Small Business

Too busy to vote in this year’s general election or don’t think your vote matters? Consider the alternative: If you and other busy American small-business owners fail to act to protect our free enterprise system now, what will happen to … Continue reading

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Stand Firm with the Guardians of Small Business on Nov. 6

On one side of the Old North Bridge in Concord, Mass. stood a motley collection of patriots whose eagerness, reliability and strength was all that stood between well-armed and trained British regulars who were determined to put an end to … Continue reading

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Appeals Court Reviews Labor Board’s Sneak Attack on Small Business

As Election Day approaches, small-business owners are beginning to get lots of notice, especially from vote-seeking candidates who express admiration for their ability to create jobs and keep the nation’s economy afloat. But when these hard-working entrepreneurs become the center … Continue reading

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The “Fiscal Cliff” Should Have Never Been a Possibility

Hard work, long hours. That’s reality for America’s small-business owners. You know what it takes, and you know who built your business. You also know that time is one of your most valuable assets. You don’t get second chances. Between … Continue reading

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The Big Convention Reveal: Who Really Cares About Small Business?

Small-business owners have a reputation for determination, intense focus and attention to detail. These skills will come in handy when you tune into the upcoming presidential conventions to learn which political party cares more about you and your business. Like … Continue reading

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Why Small Business is Big in Politics

It seems like Washington can’t agree on anything these days, except maybe one thing: Small business. It seems everyone in Washington loves small business, or pretends they do. If you watch the news or listen to the ads, you’ll hear … Continue reading

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Remind Them Who They Work For (You!)

As this week ends, Members of Congress will be packing their bags and heading home with just one thing on their minds: Getting re-elected in November. They will be home for the entire month of August for what used to … Continue reading

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You DID Build That!

Weeks like this, I hope, remind you why you joined NFIB. President Obama’s jaw-dropping comments over the weekend, where he said “If you’ve got a business – you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen,” felt like a punch … Continue reading

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