News Release 532

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ENLISTS
SERVICES OF GOVERNOR-APPOINTED OMBUDSMAN

Volume 34-532

Contact: Connie Patterson

(For immediate release)

573-751-1010

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 5, 2006- Recognizing the need for help in the communication process between small business and the administration, Gov. Matt Blunt named former State Senator Morris Westfall as the new small business ombudsman for the Department of Natural Resources.

Drawing on his experience as a legislator, Westfall will focus on the concerns of small business operations and help to simplify communications between small businesses and the department so they will better understand regulations and procedures.

"Small businesses are often faced with the dilemma of complying with government regulations that they do not fully understand," said Westfall. "Government acronyms, phrases and expressions are not something that most people have been trained to understand and it is my belief that this problem can be alleviated with better communication."

Westfall will assist small businesses with matters related to the federal Clean Air Act and Missouri Air Conservation Law. His duties will include assisting and advising small businesses that are regulated by the Air Conservation Law; recommending to the Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee and the Missouri Air Conservation Commission appropriate changes in the rules which facilitate small business compliance with the Air Conservation Law and related rules; and receiving and reviewing complaints about administration of the air regulations as such administration affects small business.

Small businesses that are experiencing difficulty in understanding and complying with government regulations are welcome to meet with Westfall on a one-on-one basis.

"Once I learn about a situation, I can then facilitate or mediate to help find solutions. I am hopeful that my background in small business and thirty years of government experience will be an asset to the position," said Westfall.

Westfall is also available for group meetings such as panels, roundtable discussions or as a guest speaker.

"I consider myself fortunate to have been selected for this position," said Westfall. "I hope that I can be of assistance to small business operations by listening. "

By working together, Westfall is confident that he can assist in achieving a more productive relationship between the small business community and state government.

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