[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 77 (Tuesday, May 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1206-E1207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MR. SUTTON BACON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2009

  Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor America's 
entrepreneurs, those distinguished individuals who support our 
communities, drive innovation, and keep our nation strong. Small 
businesses bring fresh ideas to the table, develop the resources to 
meet the demands of an ever-changing world, and make a meaningful 
impact on our neighborhoods. Entrepreneurs are responsible for 
providing 60 to 80 percent of all new jobs, giving them the potential 
to propel rapid economic growth and expand ever-developing fields. Some 
of the country's largest companies began as start-ups in small offices, 
homes and garages exploring these new fields. Limited only by their 
imagination, these firms performed cutting-edge work in emerging 
industries that have become the very foundation of our society.
  As our nation and the world face the most difficult economic 
conditions in decades, entrepreneurs have the potential to lead us back 
to prosperity. The resiliency and adaptability shown by small 
businesses in past recessions demonstrate their capability to meet the 
challenges standing in their way and emerge stronger than ever. 
America's small businesses will drive the economic recovery from this 
downturn and our economy will emerge stronger than ever. Times may be 
tough, but America's entrepreneurial spirit is tougher.
  To recognize the monumental achievements of our nation's small firms, 
the Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared May 17-23 as the 
46th Annual National Small Business Week. The House Small Business 
Committee is celebrating all our country's hard-working entrepreneurs 
by saluting the Heroes of Small Business, those men and women who have 
shown the strength, leadership, and resourcefulness that keep our 
economy moving forward.
  I ask that you, Madam Speaker, and the entire U.S. House of 
Representatives join me in recognizing and thanking Mr. Sutton Bacon 
for his tremendous accomplishments on behalf of small businesses. Mr. 
Bacon is President and CEO of Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), the 
largest outdoor recreation company in the United States. He is 
responsible for overall business strategy and operational performance 
of the employee-owned company, which draws over half a million visitors 
every year. Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NOC 
has been honored by several publications for its exemplary facilities 
and service excellence.
  Mr. Bacon is an active conservationist, serving on the boards of 
multiple outdoor recreation and natural preservation organizations. He 
is an advocate of increased youth involvement with nature, and 
established the NOC Foundation to provide better access to outdoor 
experiences, equipment, and education for youth and underserved 
communities. A classically trained musician, Mr. Bacon has performed 
with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus and has performed on GRAMMY 
Award-winning commercial records.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Bacon has exemplified the remarkable 
accomplishments of which America's entrepreneurs are capable. This 
week, he will testify before the House Small Business Committee to 
share his story. I ask that you and the entire U.S. House of 
Representatives join with me in honoring him for the extraordinary work 
he has done for the small business economy. His efforts demonstrate 
that if given access to the right resources, America's small businesses 
can be the catalysts that lift our economy from the current downturn 
and put us on the road to recovery.

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