[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11922]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION'S 70TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2007

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the House 
of Representatives to honor the National Small Business Association 
(NSBA) as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. This first-rate 
organization currently reaches more than 150,000 small-business owners 
nationwide--a number that has well surpassed the original group of 160 
members. It is with great pleasure that I recognize the commendable 
service NSBA has provided to this Nation's entrepreneurs over the past 
70 years.
  As Chair of the Small Business Committee, I am well aware of the 
unique plight facing this Nation's entrepreneurs. As the oldest small 
business advocacy group in the United States, NSBA has a strong history 
of promoting small business growth and educating its members on the 
impact of Federal policies. The unwavering dedication that this group 
has shown to fostering the advancement and growth of entrepreneurs is 
deserving of recognition.
  From carpenters to grocers and designers, NSBA represents a broad 
range of citizens who believe in the free enterprise system. Since 
joining the Small Business Committee well over a decade ago, this 
organization has frequently been out front, leading the charge on a 
number of issues that are of the utmost importance to this Nation's 26 
million small businesses. Whether it was advocating for increased 
access to capital or the Federal marketplace--NSBA has always acted as 
a steadfast advocate for our entrepreneurs.
  Thanks to the leadership of the NSBA--its founder, the late DeWitt M. 
Emery, Board Members, Executive Director, staff, and supporters--its 
members are given the opportunity to gather every two years during the 
``Small Business Congress'' to learn about the latest happenings 
impacting their businesses and vote upon their top ten. NSBA 
subsequently publishes its priority issues booklet listing the results 
and advocating on the members' behalf. NSBA's contributions that bring 
to light the everyday matters that are of concern to the main drivers 
of this economy--small business--are truly commendable.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to express my sincerest congratulations 
to the National Small Business Association in commemoration of its 70th 
anniversary and express best wishes for a successful future.

                          ____________________