[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 52 (Wednesday, May 4, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 4, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        SMALL BUSINESS WEEK 1994

  Mr. PRESSLER. Madam President, today I ask my colleagues to join me 
in saluting those whose contributions too often are taken for granted--
our Nation's small business men and women. The local market, gas 
station, pharmacy, and cafe are everyday fixtures, but they form the 
cornerstones of a community. These small businesses make the 
difference. They create jobs, provide necessary services and knit 
people together. Without this entrepreneurial spirit, many of our towns 
and small cities would cease to exist. This week has been designated 
National Small Business Week. It is fitting that we recognize the quiet 
perseverance of our Nation's small businesses.
  Small businesses form the base of our economy. Their job creation 
brought us through the recent recession. Between 1980 and 1990, small 
firms in our country created two out of every three jobs. Our 21.3 
million small businesses collectively are the world's third largest 
economic power, ranking only behind the U.S. economy as a whole and 
Japan. Quite simply, these entrepreneurs are the key to our economic 
strength. In my home State of South Dakota for example, 99 percent of 
businesses are small businesses and they employ over 90 percent of the 
work force. These small businesses are run by men and women of every 
race and social class. In fact, by the year 2000, women will own half 
of all small firms. The number of minority-owned firms is growing 
rapidly as well.

  Statistics such as these tell an incredible story of vitality and 
success. However, I am troubled by the tendency here in Washington to 
try and steal this success. The Federal Government repeatedly treats 
small businesses as if they are some kind of a money tree, an unlimited 
source of funding for an endless list of Federal programs. We saddle 
these job creators with tax increases and ream upon ream of 
regulations, which further increase their costs. While under this 
constant pressure, it is amazing our small businesses are able to 
remain competitive at home and abroad. If this trend continues, that 
may not remain the case. As ranking member of the Senate Small Business 
Committee, I fight daily to break this senseless cycle.
  A prime example of taking advantage of small business is the Clinton 
health care plan. The plan's employer mandate would force businesses to 
pay for 80 percent of their employees' health care. We need to improve 
access to health care in this country. We need to control costs. But 
President Clinton's plan would put 60 percent of the cost on the small 
business community. The job loss estimates from this employer mandate 
run from 600,000 to 3.1 million. We all want to create jobs. However, I 
warn my colleagues that it cannot be done by beating down our Nation's 
premier job creators.
  Despite all the barriers Washington erects, small businesses continue 
to persevere. I would like to share some special success stories from 
South Dakota. Gordon Thomsen of Trail King Industries, Inc., in 
Mitchell, SD, has been named National Small Business Exporter of the 
Year. I congratulate Gordon and Trail King for this very special and 
well-deserved honor.

  Trail King is a true success story. The company began 18 years ago in 
the back of Gordon's home with only four employees. With dogged 
persistence and a willingness to embrace change in the global economy, 
the once tiny company has become the largest specialized trailer 
manufacturer in the Nation. Trail King now employs 400 people and 
trailers bearing their name can be found all around the world. A nearly 
completed joint venture with an equipment manufacturer in Mexico is a 
sign of their future success in new markets. Indeed, many Trail King 
employees in Mitchell are learning Spanish. Through his work on 
numerous trade missions, the District Export Council and the South 
Dakota Export Council, Gordon lives his motto, ``The world is your 
marketplace.''
  I also would like to commend and congratulate another exporting 
company, AaLadin Industries of Elk Point, SD. Founders Patrick Wingen, 
president, and William Busker, senior vice president, have been named 
the South Dakota Small Business Persons of the Year. Overcoming great 
obstacles to find credit, they built the company from scratch in 1981. 
AaLadin now is the fourth largest manufacturer of high pressure 
cleaning systems in the country. They employ 80 people and have annual 
sales of more than $11.5 million.
  Other South Dakota entrepreneurs deserving recognition are: Aelred 
Kurtenbach of Daktronics, Inc., South Dakota Entrepreneurial Success of 
the Year; Elsie Meeks of the Lakota Fund, South Dakota Minority Small 
Business Advocate of the Year; Audrey Elfering of Alternative 
Resources, South Dakota Women in Business Advocate of the Year; Lois 
Besmer of Norwest Bank, South Dakota Financial Services Advocate of the 
Year; Matthew Swalley of Business Page South Dakota, South Dakota Media 
Advocate of the Year; and Valerie Simpson of Ketel, Thorstenson & Co., 
South Dakota and Regional Veteran Small Business Advocate of the Year. 
I congratulate each and every one of them. These individuals and 
entrepreneurs provide shining examples of innovation and leadership.
  Madam President, we have set aside this week to honor these 
individuals and entrepreneurs just like them across the country. 
However, if we truly wish to honor them, let us follow this week of 
celebration with serious and meaningful actions. By scaling back taxes 
and Government regulation, we can ensure a successful and vibrant small 
business community. This, in turn, means the creation of jobs, 
continuity in our towns and cities, large and small, and prosperity 
throughout our economy.
  I again would like to congratulate the many small businesses who make 
such an important difference in our communities and daily lives. I 
salute them.

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