[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16758]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 16758]]

        TRIBUTE TO THE BELKNAP COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the Belknap County Economic Development Group for receiving 
the 2000 United States Small Business Administration's New Hampshire 
``Financial Services Advocate of the Year'' award.


  Financial service advocates play an integral role in the success of a 
small business, particularly in their assistance with access to credit. 
The Belknap County Economic Development Group is no exception. They 
have been assisting small businesses in surrounding communities with 
great success since 1992.
  Initially formed to address economic issues plaguing the area at the 
time, it later expanded to assisting small businesses struggling to get 
off the ground. It currently operates a revolving loan fund and two 
micro-lending programs, as well as provides technical assistance and 
counseling.
  As a former small business owner in the state, I commend the Belknap 
County Economic Development Group for their hard work and dedication. 
It is truly an honor to represent them in the United States 
Senate.

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