Delaware’s Sher Valenzuela will speak at RNC

Republican Lt. Gov. candidate Sher Valenzuela has been selected to speak at her party’s national convention in Tampa, FL next week.

Valenzuela is expected to address small business growth in America during her prime time address, sharing the stage with the likes of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, his running mate Paul Ryan and keynote speaker Gov. Chris Christie, R-NJ.

“I am honored to be part of the Republican National Convention,” Valenzuela said. “Small business is the life-blood of our nation’s economy… I look forward to sharing our story at the convention.”

Delaware’s 2012 Small Business Person of the Year, Valenzuela and her husband, Eli, started First State Manufacturing out of their garage in Milford back in the 1990’s. Now, the company operates from a 70,000 square foot facility with more than 70 employees, making everything from protective padding for Major League Baseball umpires to combat vests for the Israeli Army.

“On behalf of the Delaware Republican Party, I would like to congratulate Sher for having earned this great honor,” said John Sigler, chairman of the Delaware GOP. “The Delaware Republican Party is especially proud to have her as our party’s nominee. She is an advocate for the needs of small businesses, not only in Delaware but throughout this country.”

The GOP convention in Tampa runs from Aug. 27-30; Valenzuela will address Republican delegates Tuesday, Aug. 28.

She is challenging incumbent Lt. Gov. Matt Denn, who officially kicked off his re-election campaign, Monday, making stops in all three counties.