January 16, 2006

Small business is one of the driving forces that help keep the St. Louis local economy strong and vibrant. As a strong advocate for small business in his city, St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay is always looking for ways to assist and provide resources to small businesses in his city. Recently, Slay met with Gary Antonino, Vice President of Sales for American Management Services and Jeffrey Bean, Managing Director of the Partner America Program to discuss the state of small business in St. Louis and the Partner America Program.

Partner America is a public-private partnership created by The United States Conference of Mayors and American Management Services, Inc. to help small and medium'sized businesses in cities across the nation improve profits and sales through management assistance. Partner America is designed to assist mayors in providing the resources and information small businesses need to thrive within their local communities and the global economy. Through Partner America, the mayor is able to champion small businesses for their economic importance, as well as lead owners to opportunities that might otherwise not be realized.

“The Business Survey,” offered to small businesses for a nominal fee, is the first step to increased profits and sales. Partner America, through its Business Survey process, will provide between 75 – 100 hours on site business analysis by professional operating executives: comprehensive assessment of the financial performance of a business; thorough review of the organizational and operational strengths and weaknesses of a business and a confidential employee survey. From the information gathered, a blueprint of recommendations and solutions is provided to the business owner identifying measurable costs, savings and profit improvements that can be implemented in real time, guaranteeing profit gains.

“Having Partner America help small businesses become more profitable so they can hire more employees and grow their business is something every mayor should take advantage of,” said Slay.

“I am excited about the Partner America program coming to St. Louis and look forward to seeing positive results in the St. Louis small business community,” Slay continued.

For more information regarding the Partner America Program, contact Jeffrey Bean, Managing Director at jbean@usmayors.org or 1-877-778-6726.