by Mary Elizabeth Lonergan
As active players in the democratic process, the Fourth of July has a special meaning for state representatives and senators. For one representative from Missouri, it is also the crux of his business.
Rep. Chris Sander of Missouri’s 33rd district was elected in 2020 and took office in January. He also owns Powder Monkey Fireworks. He has been in the fireworks business for 24 years and owned his business for 14 years.
“Freedom and liberty are how I vote and how I run my business,” Sander said. “I try to make sure any customers get what they are looking for.
“I enjoy working with the people. I am a sixth generation Missourian. I know a little bit about where everyone is coming from when we are working together in (Jefferson City),” he said.
Sander prides himself on really bringing the boom to a Fourth of July celebration and employing forty people.
“Small business is the funding source of the government. Without small business, you would not have jobs or the economy … It’s the small businesses who operate through good times and bad times and help a community through local sales tax. Being in the government, I like to speak up whenever they say they need more (money). I am really watching what goes in and out of state budgets.”
In his roles as business owner or legislator, Sander tries to meet the needs of the customer or constituent.
“It’s customer service in either place. In the legislature you will have someone trying to work and find solutions for problems … I like to look at things from a different point of view as a business owner. Business is what grows the state budget and the economy and helps people,” he said. “If I wasn’t there voting for freedom and liberty, someone would be there voting against freedom and liberty and its necessary I be there to protect that.”
Sander said despite the challenges the pandemic brought on, his company continues to prosper.
“America got through COVID-19 because of small business. You can throw a lot of money at it from the federal government. If you leave it up to businesses to find ways to deal with the issues, it gets through it a lot better than throwing a lot of people in a room trying to make decisions for everyone.”