Karen Stysley/The Gazette South Carroll Business Association President Robert Holt, left, stands with Congressman Roscoe Bartlett and Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce President Tim Barkley at the SCBA meeting on Feb. 18.

"Small business is really the engine that drives Carroll County," said Bartlett, contributing to the area's economic success.

"We're doing fantastic in Carroll County," said Bartlett, pointing to a three percent unemployment rate in the county compared with 4.5 percent in the state, and 5.6 percent in the country. "We have less [of an] unemployment rate than we thought we ever could have," he said.

In his speech, Bartlett listed his credentials, including a position of vice chair on the small business committee. The committee holds many hearings, he said, since "there's nothing in our world that doesn't affect small business."

He also praised the rapid progress of women in small business. "They are more compassionate, more empathetic, that makes them better employers," he said, and women who own businesses have a lower bankruptcy rate.

Bartlett encouraged small business owners to come to him with any questions, issues, or ideas they may have. "We're just very supportive of small business," he said.

Bringing in Bartlett was a good opportunity for him to meet with the local business community, according to Robert Holt, president of the SCBA.

"This area is the biggest by population of any in the county," said Holt, addting that with so many residents, South Carroll is becoming a force to be reckoned with.

Holt said he hopes the businesses will take advantage of Bartlett by "using him as a conduit to Congress," making the legislators aware of their needs and wishes.

One big issue for business is tax policy, he said, noting that there are "definitely tax issues that are unique to small businesses." Legislators should be cognizant of the large impact policy can have on small businesses, he said.

Tom White, owner of VTM, a consulting business in Sykesville, said Bartlett's tax numbers were of particular interest to him.

Bartlett said that top earners take in 18 percent of the money, but pay 34 percent of taxes, "relatively paying twice as much."

White also said he did not realize how extensive Bartlett's experience is with small business. "It was good to know," he said.