[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 169 (Tuesday, November 17, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H8252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
                        SMALL BUSINESS STRATEGY

  (Mr. ASHFORD asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ASHFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Small Business 
Saturday. Small Business Saturday takes place every year the Saturday 
after Thanksgiving. This event is an opportunity for Americans to 
reinvest in our communities by supporting our local businesses. Small 
businesses are the lifeblood of our local economies and a key to 
unlocking the American Dream.
  As a former small-business owner, I know the value that small 
businesses bring to our local communities. My family owned and operated 
the Nebraska Clothing Company in Omaha for generations. This experience 
taught me the importance of the entrepreneurial spirit to our economy 
and our communities.
  Nebraska is the proud home of over 166,000 small businesses. Nearly 
half of all working Nebraskans are employed by local companies.
  Beyond the facts and figures, small businesses are essential to the 
health of our communities. Local companies have local ties. They hire 
local employees, contribute to local causes, and provide a high level 
of personal service.
  This holiday shopping season we have an opportunity to show our 
appreciation for small businesses. I encourage all Americans to get out 
and support Small Business Saturday on November 28.

                          ____________________