For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 6, 2002
Small Business Week, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The strength of our economy is built on the creativity and
entrepreneurship of our people. Those who own and operate our Nation's
25 million small businesses make a vital contribution to our
prosperity through their ongoing work to create new technologies,
products, and services. These hardworking men and women and their
employees define the American spirit through their innovation,
dedication, and determination.
The tragedy of September 11, 2001, greatly affected our Nation and
our economy; but our economy is recovering and remains fundamentally
sound. In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, the business
community rose to this challenge by volunteering their time and
services to help with the relief and rebuilding efforts in New York
City and Washington, D.C. This compassionate spirit demonstrated
America's true character.
To help businesses recover from September 11, my Administration has
made more than $520 million in disaster loans available to business
owners nationwide. I also remain committed to a domestic policy that
stimulates economic growth, boosts consumer purchasing power, and
creates a level playing field. Our efforts to lower taxes, enact
reasonable regulations, and reduce tariffs and other barriers to free
trade will increase the competitive position of our small businesses.
To further encourage economic growth, I recently signed into law the
Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002. The Act helps to
create more jobs across our country by providing tax incentives for
companies to expand and create jobs by investing in facilities and
equipment. This action will lead to more opportunities in
manufacturing, high-tech sectors, and our small businesses. I am also
committed to achieve a permanent repeal of the death tax and the
permanent extension of tax relief to help ensure the strength and
survival of small businesses.
America's small business owners represent more than 99 percent of
all employers and their businesses employ more than half of the private
work force. These entrepreneurs who create more than 66 percent of the
new jobs nationwide and generate more than 50 percent of the Nation's
gross domestic product growth are critical to our country's prosperity
and the well-being of our communities. We salute these employers by
celebrating Small Business Week and recognizing their contributions to
all Americans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 5 through May 11,
2002, as Small Business Week. I call on all Americans to observe this
week with appro-priate ceremonies, activities, and programs that
celebrate the achievements of small business owners and encourage and
foster the development of new enterprises.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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