[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 78 (Wednesday, May 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING GREG PRESTEMON, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 
                 CENTER OF ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MISSOURI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. W. TODD AKIN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2009

  Mr. AKIN. 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 entrepreneurial 
by saluting the Heroes of Small Business, those men and women who have 
shown the strength, leadership, and resourcefulness that keeps 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. Greg Prestemon 
for his tremendous accomplishments on behalf of small businesses. Mr. 
Prestemon has led the St. Charles Economic Development Center (EDC) for 
15 years, helping spur the county's rapid population and economic 
growth during his tenure. Since he assumed the top post at the EDC, St. 
Charles County has grown by almost 120,000 residents and total 
valuation assessment has risen from less than $2 billion to $7.2 
billion in 2007. For his efforts, Mr. Prestemon was named as the 2008 
Non-Profit Executive of the Year by St. Charles Business Magazine.
  This month, the SBA named the St. Charles EDC as its 504 Lender of 
the Year after the organization disbursed more than $22.5 million to 37 
businesses throughout the region in 2008, valuable assistance that 
helped create or retain over 1,000 jobs. He holds a bachelor's degree 
in political science from Iowa State University and a master's degree 
in economic development from the University of Iowa.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Prestemon 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 the right resources, America's small businesses can be 
the catalysts that lift our economic from the current downturn and put 
us on the road to recovery.

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