[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 74 (Friday, May 5, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S6196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK--1995

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize some very 
special businesses in my home State of South Dakota during National 
Small Business Week. Through work on the Senate Committee on Small 
Business for 17 of my 21 years in Congress, I know small businesses 
have not always enjoyed the recognition and attention they deserve. For 
too long, America's entrepreneurs have been taken for granted. These 
dynamic men and women play a critical role in this Nation's economy. 
During the last major recession, small businesses created 4.1 million 
jobs, while large firms reduced employment by 500,000 jobs. Without the 
spirit, drive, and determination of small businesses, our economy would 
not have been able to break out of the economic stagnancy of the early 
1990's. Clearly, this sector of our economy is finally getting the 
respect it is due.
  Wile credit availability has improved significantly and now appears 
stable, we must continue to monitor this situation. Without adequate 
financing, entrepreneurs will not be able to get out of the gate. 
Likewise, I am encouraged by recent efforts in Congress to decrease the 
burdens of Federal regulations and paperwork. And while the Senate 
still is deliberating S. 565, the Product Liability Fairness Act of 
1995, I hope we will be able to protect small manufacturers from 
frivolous lawsuits by enacting sensible tort reforms.
  Though we have worked to level the playing field for small 
businesses, small firms now face unique problems. America and the world 
are in the throws of an information technology revolution. The ability 
of an enterprise to use high-technology tools very well may dictate 
whether the business survives. We must ensure established and fledgling 
small businesses are able to be players in the technological arena. We 
must ensure small firms wishing to provide high-technology goods and 
services have access to credit and capital. Because the very nature of 
capital assets tends to be less tangible, small firms may have 
difficulty securing the traditional forms of collateral lenders often 
seek. Is it possible to put a value on the time, effort, and knowledge 
of a software developer? I do not know. However, from my position as 
chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation, I hope to identify solutions to these potential 
roadblocks.
  Mr. President, I would be remiss if I also did not raise some of the 
unique challenges rural small businesses face. South Dakota's 1995 
Small Business Person of the Year has defied conventional wisdom that 
says a successful manufacturing business must be located in an urban 
area. In 1982, Randy Boyd returned to his native Geddes, SD, where he 
joined his father in a gunsmith and gun repair business. By 1986, their 
operation hired three employees to assist in the manufacturing of gun-
stocks for shotguns and big game rifles. Since then, their venture has 
expanded to 25 full time, 10 part-time, and 10 contract employees. 
Boyd's Gunstock Industries, Inc., currently is one of the country's 
leading gunstock manufacturers.
  I commend Randy Boyd for the well deserved honor of being named South 
Dakota Small Business Person of the Year. He is an inspiration to other 
entrepreneurs with a dream and a willingness to work hard to see that 
dreams take shape.

  During my visit with Randy this week, I learned he would like to 
expand Boyds' Gunstock even further. Unfortunately, he has encountered 
a limitation many burgeoning small businesses face in rural States like 
South Dakota. Randy wants very badly to keep his operation in the small 
city of Geddes. In order to overcome the community's limited work 
force, Randy has aggressively pursued workers from surrounding 
communities. Though such efforts have been successful for Randy in the 
past, he is discovering that the city of Geddes lacks affordable 
housing for these new employees. Indeed, it would be a tremendous loss 
for the community if this opportunity is lost.
  I will be working with Randy and the community of Geddes to try to 
resolve a problem that has become all too common for communities across 
my State. Private investments in real estate must be both appealing and 
lucrative. As I said during my visit with Randy, I will promote tax 
incentives that, in turn, will promote economic growth. It is important 
that we continue to cultivate a climate that will stimulate small 
business growth. We must reward and encourage entrepreneurs such as 
Randy Boyd to continue their efforts.
  I again congratulate Randy for his success and the success of Boyds' 
Gunstock. I also would like to recognize some of my State's other 
businesses leaders. I congratulate: Arlin W. Anderson of the South 
Dakota American Legion, Veteran Small Business Advocate of the Year; 
William F. Carlson of Tower Systems, Inc., Small Business Exporter; 
John E. Brewer of Rushmore State Bank, Financial Services Advocate; 
Eileen Lunderman of the Sincangu Enterprise Center, Minority Small 
Business Advocate; Brenda Wade Schmidt of the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 
Media Advocate, and Jan Steensland of Eyes on You magazine, Women in 
Business Advocate.
  Each of these individuals has played a very important role in making 
small businesses the driving force behind South Dakota's vibrant 
economy. I am proud of their generous efforts. They have contributed 
tremendously to their neighbors and friends. It is the duty of Congress 
and the Federal Government to allow them to continue making such 
important contributions. Often this can best be achieved staying out of 
their way.
  Again, Mr. President, I salute South Dakota's 1995 National Small 
Business Week Award winners and thank them for their efforts.

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