The Oregon chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business has named Corvallis businessman Eric Blackledge its 2005 Small Business Champion of the year.

Each year, NFIB singles out a small-business owner in all 50 states for recognition. Last year's winner was Jon Egge of Clackamas.
Blackledge is owner of Blackledge Furniture. He has been an NFIB member for 10 years and currently serves on the organization's Leadership Council. He will compete with Small Business Champions in 11 Western states for a regional award.
Blackledge's "fingerprints are on so many pro-small-business policies and endeavors in this state that it is hard to keep track of them," said J.L. Wilson, NFIB-Oregon's state director. "He's been side by side with me on issues such as reducing regulations and cutting the capital gains tax. He gives NFIB an effectiveness we would sorely lack without him."
Blackledge is also the chairman of the Oregon Consumer Protection Advisory Council, a vice chairman of the National Home Furnishings Association, chairman of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Taxation Advisory Committee for the Northwest region and a board member of the Oregon Tax Research association. He also is the founding director of the Benton County Bank.