[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S3235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING DOWNS ENTERPRISE, LLC

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, in order to pursue the American 
dream in today's regulatory climate, small businesses owners and 
entrepreneurs require a variety of administrative and support services. 
Often, they are able to offer a helping hand to each other, building 
important relationships and creating economic opportunity across the 
board. Small Business of the Week, Downs Enterprise of Bastrop, LA, is 
providing these crucial services to fellow small businesses, 
entrepreneurs, and veterans throughout northeast Louisiana.
  Troy Downs, founder of Downs Enterprise, LLC, has been assisting 
small business owners in northeast Louisiana for nearly 14 years. In 
2001 Downs opened his namesake consulting business, focusing on 
managing, consulting, and developing local small businesses through 
financial, real estate, and logistical services. After nearly 10 years 
of success, Downs visited the Louisiana Small Business Development 
Center, LSBDC, at the University of Louisiana-Monroe, located in 
Monroe, LA, with a financial management and business development and 
expansion plan. Downs took advantage of all the LSBDC had to offer, 
attending every seminar and networking event available to him, even if 
not directly related to his business. Downs believed that just his 
being there would put him in a position to learn, and it worked--a 
sentiment that he now passes along to the businesses he consults. 
Through Downs Enterprise, LLC, Troy and his team have assisted in 
starting and managing over 25 successful businesses, created 50 jobs, 
and counseled over 100 individuals in the process of starting and 
maintaining a healthy business.
  After years of successfully guiding individuals through the hoops of 
starting and maintaining a business, Downs, a 25-year serviceman of the 
U.S. Army, saw the need for such a consulting service geared towards 
our Nation's brave servicemen and women. After experiencing the 
difficulties servicemen and women have in adjusting back to a civilian 
lifestyle, the Downs Foundation was born. Today, the Downs Foundation 
continues their original goal of assisting veterans in small business 
development, while also providing services in credit restoration, 
preparation for jobs, and counseling services. Down's work in northeast 
Louisiana has earned him the distinguished honor of being recognized as 
the 2015 Veteran Small Business Champion by Louisiana Economic 
Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
  Congratulations again to Downs Enterprise for being selected as Small 
Business of the Week. Thank you for your continued commitment not only 
to your community, but also to your fellow brothers and sisters of the 
military.

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