On October 9, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley appointed Cable TV of East Alabama President Lynne Greene Frakes to the Alabama Small Business Commission effective October 21, 2014. “Appointing you to this position comes with great responsibility because you will be making important decisions that affect the citizens of Alabama,” the governor said in a letter to Mrs. Frakes. “I am greatly honored to accept this position and to serve on behalf of small businesses across the state who, like Cable TV of East Alabama, work hard everyday for the communities they care so deeply about,” said Lynne Frakes. 

Brick and mortar businesses like Cable TV of East Alabama, create three out of four jobs and are the backbone of the American economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are approximately 400,000 small businesses in Alabama. In 2011, over 5,000 jobs were created by small businesses. 

The Alabama Small Business Commission, created by Executive Order 47, will serve as an advisory body in formulating policies, encouraging innovation, and discussing issues critical to the economic growth of small businesses. The Commission will promote policies to assist new business start-ups and the expansion of existing businesses. “By serving on this commission, I hope to use my experience as a small business owner to affect positive change in the State of Alabama. I hope to serve as a voice for the small businesses of Russell County and small businesses across the state,” said Frakes.  

The Commission will be comprised of Alabama-based small and independent business owners who will serve a two-year term with the option of a two-year reappointment. Governor Bentley also created the Alabama Small Business Advisory Committee to provide technical and informational resources to the Commission. Rosemary Elebash, State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business will chair the commission and advisory committee. 

Cable TV of East Alabama was founded in 1964 by Roy M. Greene and recently celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. The company provides cable, phone, and Internet service to east Alabama businesses, schools, and residences. It operates 1,000 miles of cable plant and remains one of the largest independent cable operators in the State of Alabama. Cable TV of East Alabama is a community driven company that believes in giving back to its local community.

The first meeting of the Alabama Small Business Commission will be held this month.