[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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