I have been active in my community since I have been in business, fighting for what I believe will encourage business, job creation and a better standard of living for our citizens.
I have worked closely with local business organizations, including the Surrey Board of Trade. I have met with every level of government, elected and non-elected officials over the years to plead the case for business in our province.
I have been pleasantly surprised that the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) over the years of my membership has consistently highlighted those issues of most importance to small- and medium-sized business. Further, the CFIB has been the most influential of any organization that I am aware of in actually encouraging change in government policy and direction.
A great example of this effort are the significant fee increases levied by credit card institutions recently to businesses.
When I tried to address this issue through the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the only sound I heard was the sound of doors being slammed by the large banks (who of course make all of this extra profit for these fee increases). Their willingness to help was non-existent.
It was only as a result of the CFIB that the federal government encouraged the credit card companies to adopt and abide by a “standard of conduct” that provided positive changes that will help small and medium businesses today and in the future.
As a business owner, you can not spend your money in any more effective way that becoming a CFIB member.
Rick Fijal
President
FASTSIGNS, Surrey
