Snowe And Collins Applaud Appointment Of Charles Summers As SBA Region I Administrator

(Washington) – Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins applauded the appointment today of Charles Summers, Jr. as the regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Region I (New England). Summers, of Scarborough, Maine, was appointed by President Bush to the position, which serves Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. In this capacity, Summers will be responsible for oversight of the SBA's financing, marketing and outreach efforts in New England.

"This is wonderful news for small businesses in Maine and across New England," said Senators Snowe and Collins in a joint statement. "Charlie's record of public service is exemplar, and when you combine that with his success as an entrepreneur, you can see that the SBA has certainly gained a great asset who will ensure our region's job creators receive the assistance they deserve."

Senator Snowe is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, which has oversight jurisdiction over the SBA. Senator Collins served as the New England Administrator of the SBA from 1992 to 1993.

Summers has seven years of managerial experience in the hospitality industry and has also founded or owned two small businesses, the "One-Eyed Moose Brand" coffee company and "Charlie's Beverage Warehouse," a convenience store and recycling center.

In the most recent U.S. Congressional election, Summers was the Republican Nominee for the 1st Congressional District in Maine. Prior to running for office, Summers worked as Senator Snowe's State Director in Maine. From 1990 to 1994, Summers served as Maine State Senator for District 31. Since 1996, Summers has served as a Public Affairs Officer in the US Naval Reserves.

Summers was recommended for the regional administrator position by Senators Snowe and Collins. In December of 2004, Snowe and Collins formed an Advisory Committee, which suggested Summers as a suitable candidate to fill the position, previously held by the late Jeffrey H. Butland, Jr.

Originally from Kewanee, Illinois, Summers received his A.A. from Black Hawk College– East, and his B.S. from the University of Illinois. He and his wife Ruth have two children, Tricia and Chas.