WASHINGTON, D.C. — A small business owner from Zelienople Wednesday appeared in front of a congressional committee to talk about revitalizing the nation's economy by supporting small businesses.

Kirk Farra, president of In-Synch Systems, told the committee that President Barack Obama's federal stimulus package will help his business hire more employees when other businesses are having widespread layoffs.

Farra attributes his company's expansion directly to the stimulus package, which includes tax cuts for small business owners and increases in funding for law enforcement agencies.

His company, which provides records management software for law enforcement agencies, expects a spike in sales because of the increase in grants and funding for those agencies.

That's why Farra plans to hire four employees in the next month to handle the new business.

"The federal grants for law enforcement are very, very important for our business because it indirectly is the way we're funded," Farra said. "We really expect with the stimulus package, when that money is released, that we're really going to grow rapidly again and be able to provide our system to even more communities throughout the United States."

Farra testified after Congressman Jason Altmire, D-4th, invited him to do so. Eight other small business owners from across the nation also spoke to the committee about how their businesses have been impacted by the stimulus funds.

The hearing is part of a week set aside to honor small businesses and their contributions to the economy.

Altmire, chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, said it was wonderful to bring a Butler County businessman to the nation's capitol so lawmakers can listen to the people who keep the economy running.

"We held the hearing because we want to highlight small businesses that have good stories to tell," Altmire said. "Especially in an economic downturn, his (Farra's) company is still thriving and growing. It's certainly inspiring to see how he's weathering the storm and creating jobs."

Tess Mullen, communications director for Altmire, said the congressman believes in listening to community business leaders as a key way to keep in touch with his constituents and the issues that affect them the most.