[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 130 (Thursday, July 27, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4039]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      FLORIDA LOVES SMALL BUSINESS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Bean) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the new rankings are out, and 
Florida is number one. It is not football, although I would understand 
one making that assumption. Florida is number one for small business.
  According to a recent Venture Smarter's study that considered 
numerous factors like business climate, tax structure, and burdensome 
business regulations, Florida has just been ranked the number one State 
in America.
  Today, I rise to congratulate my home State, the free State of 
Florida, on this outstanding accomplishment.
  In the Sunshine State, we support small businesses to do what they do 
best: invest, hire, and grow. When we shop small, we all win big. 
Spending your money at that local small business can make a big 
difference.
  Today, 2.8 million businessowners and entrepreneurs call Florida 
home, but, Mr. Speaker, there is room for one more.
  Mr. Speaker, if you are considering coming to Florida to open a 
business, then I urge you to make a plan. Frankly, you should have a 
plan of what to do with all that extra money you will have in your 
pocket because Florida has no income tax.
  As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I am working to 
ensure every small business has the opportunity to thrive and fuel our 
economy in communities all across America.


                          Honoring Nathalie Wu

  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Small Business 
Committee, I rise today to honor Florida's Main Street Award for 
Business Owner of the Year, Nathalie Wu.
  Ms. Wu is a resident of Nassau County, and I am proud to represent 
her in Florida's Fourth Congressional District.
  Nathalie opened the wonderful Wicked Bao Restaurant 5 years ago. For 
the first time, amazing Asian street food was available to patrons of 
downtown Fernandina Beach's historic district.
  Delectable and scrumptious are words we use to describe our food, but 
what about innovative?
  Who knew that tater tots made with rice instead of potatoes--rice 
tots--could be so delicious?
  That would be Ms. Wu. With her establishment, she has inspired what 
was once an overlooked area off the beaten path into a popular 
destination.
  In addition to serving up delicious treats, Ms. Wu is a steadfast 
advocate for local small businesses. She is a Fernandina Beach Main 
Street No Cost Ways to Promote Your Business panelist and a prominent 
supporter of the Fernandina Beach window painting event, inspiring 
local high school artists to showcase their work. She is also an 
awesome mother to her two sons, Phillip and Martin Toxldorf.
  Ms. Wu's dedication to her business and our community will have a 
lasting impact on Fernandina Beach. My colleagues and I on the Small 
Business Committee are inspired by her story.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that all of my colleagues in Congress join me in 
honoring Florida Secretary of State's Florida Main Street Award for 
Business Owner of the Year, Ms. Nathalie Wu.

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