KNOXVILLE -- Rep. Joe Armstrong of State House of Representatives District 15, Gloria Johnson, Democratic candidate for Tennessee State House of Representatives District 13 and Evelyn Gill, Democratic Candidate for State Senate 6 held a small business roundtable discussion with Knoxville small businesses including Bliss, Piper Communications, and Quality Labels at the Time Warp Tearoom today.

"We think it is essential to not only share our ideas with local businesses in Knoxville, but also to listen to what those businesses need to grow the Knoxville economy and get their feedback," Representative Armstrong said. "Business and government each have important roles to play, and they work best when they partner to solve our state's problems, like putting Tennesseans back to work."

Johnson said rebuilding jobs and the local economy in Knoxville starts with two simple principles: common sense and accountability.

"We need to embrace several common sense initiatives to empower innovative, home-grown businesses," Johnson said. "Let's give Tennessee businesses the first crack at state and local contracts so tax dollars create jobs here – not in neighboring states. Let's give Knoxville small businesses tax cuts for hiring unemployed workers and our returning veterans who come home protecting our freedom and can't find a job."

"But opportunity should never come without accountability," Evelyn Gill said. "We must also hold companies that receive tax cuts from the state accountable for creating the jobs that they promise, including taking back our tax dollars if they don't deliver on their promise."

Johnson said East Tennessee has an excellent business climate already but that we need a qualified workforce to meet the demands of a competitive global economy. "There are plenty of students waiting to get the kind of training they need to compete in the 21st century economy. Investments in vocational and technical education that give Tennessee businesses a qualified workforce are essential."