    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [January 30, 2007]
    [Pages 74-75]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following Breakfast With Small-Business Leaders in Peoria,
    Illinois
    January 30, 2007

        I'm here in Peoria for a couple of reasons. One, I'm looking forward
    to going to a great American company, Caterpillar, and talking about the
    importance of opening up markets for U.S. products, because when
    Caterpillar sells its products overseas, it helps people find work here
    in Peoria. But equally importantly, I'm here with some business
    entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs.
        Here are my impressions: One, the business sector--small-business
    sector--of the heartland is strong. And it's really strong because of
    low taxes. But it's also strong because of--the entrepreneurial spirit
    is

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    strong. You can't have a good business unless you have somebody willing
    to lead that business.
        Secondly, I am very impressed by the civic spirit of the people
    here. People understand that when you live in a community, you have an
    obligation to help that community realize its full potential. I'm real
    proud of the reverend, who has taken a
    tough neighborhood here in Peoria and helped revitalize that
    neighborhood by utilizing his skills, his talent, and a power higher
    than himself.
        The Congressman told me that when I came
    back to Peoria, I'd find a community that's vibrant and strong and
    optimistic, and people around this table are vibrant and strong and
    optimistic. And I can't thank you enough for sharing your concerns,
    talking about your hopes. And I can't thank you enough for working hard
    to really make America the great country that it is.
        So God bless, and thanks for your time.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:12 a.m. at the Sterling Family
    Restaurant. In his remarks, he referred to Rev. Timothy E. Criss,
    pastor, City of Refuge Worship Center, Peoria, IL. The Office of the
    Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of these
    remarks.