“There is room to improve the minimum wage,” Berna Rodman said.

Rodman started Antiochia her home-based business December 2007 in Crofton. The wholesaler sells traditional Turkish bath towels and soaps just off Johns Hopkins Road.

“I don’t have any employees at this moment. Even though I don’t pay anything right now, I still feel it [minimum wage] needs to catch up with the living standard,” she said.

Rodman is among the 60 Maryland business owners, executives and organizations who signed a petition to endorse legislation to increase the state’s minimum wage.

Maryland’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour according to the Division of Labor and Industry website. This means a minimum wage employee may earn $15,080 annually

The petitioners want minimum wage pushed up to $9.75 per hour by 2013.

The Maryland Business for a Fair Minimum Wage statement Rodman and others signed states the current minimum wage destines working families to live in poverty in the state.

The release states:

“A higher minimum wage makes good sense for our Maryland economy. It puts money in the hands of the people who will put it right back into local businesses.”

Rodman said she’s willing to offer the increased minimum wage to future employees.

“It will pay another bill,” said Rodman. “I see lots of people working for little wages. Even housewives are looking to work,” she added.

“Compared to all the shipping, taxes and charges, I don’t think it’s going to make or break a business,” said Rodman.

The small business owner said economic times are tough, but she feels there’s still space to increase employee payments.

“Wages should catch up with living standards and it’s lagging behind,” Rodman said.