Washington, D.C. – Joe Shamess, owner and general partner of Flintlock Capital and incoming chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council, will attend President Biden’s State of the Union address on Thursday evening as the guest of Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV).
“It is a great honor to attend the State of the Union address alongside Congresswoman Miller and to represent small business owners in West Virginia and across the country,” said Shamess. “I am thankful for her work in getting the bipartisan tax extenders package passed in the House, which would ensure continued growth for so many small businesses.”
Shamess is a seasoned entrepreneur, having founded three successful ventures with deep connections within and around West Virginia. He has steered companies, such as Flags of Valor in Winchester, VA, through every stage of business growth. Shamess has spent the last eight years in venture capital empowering fellow entrepreneurs to navigate and grow their business.
Shamess is a combat veteran special operations pilot and recently retired from long-time service in West Virginia’s Air National Guard. He owns a cattle farm in Hampshire County, and as an avid outdoorsman spends weekends hiking and hunting with his family on their farm.
“I am thrilled to be accompanied by a fellow West Virginia farmer and accomplished business owner at the State of the Union address,” said Congresswoman Miller. “Entrepreneurs like Joe are why West Virginia is successful. He understands how necessary small businesses are in our economy and why innovation and patriotism are at the heart of the American spirit. Joe is a welcome contrast to how the Washington elite prefers to do business, and I’m glad he could join me at the State of the Union.”
Shamess is a frequent speaker and writer on veteran entrepreneurship and small business policy issues. Most notably, he’s been asked to speak at the White House and testify before the House and Senate small business committees. He will take helm of the U.S. Chamber's Small Business Council next month.
The Small Business Council is part of the Chamber’s longstanding commitment to supporting and advocating for small businesses. Consisting of 100 small business owners from across the country, the council steers the Chamber’s work in fighting for policies that keep Main Street businesses thriving and regularly visits Capitol Hill.
Learn more about the Chamber's small business programs and advocacy here.
Learn more about what the U.S. Chamber hopes to hear President Biden speak on in the State of the Union address here.
