    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [January 18, 2008]
    [Pages 97-98]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Tour of Wright Manufacturing, Inc., in Frederick,
    Maryland
    January 18, 2008

        The President. Let me tell you why I'm here. This man started his own business. He is a manufacturer, he
    employs over a hundred people, and he represents the backbone of the
    American economy. And today I talked about our economy, and the
    fundamentals are strong, but there's uncertainty. And there's a
    opportunity to work with Congress to pass a progrowth package that'll
    deal with the uncertainty.
        Any package has got to remember that jobs are created by small
    businesses. A good package will have incentives for investment in it.
    The package we passed early in my administration helped him. He bought some equipment, made his firm more productive,
    kept him in business. That's the same spirit that needs to be in this
    next growth package.
        The other thing is, is that we've got to make sure that we benefit
    consumers. We want our consumers out there spending, and the best way to
    do that is through broad-based tax relief. Now, this plan ought to be
    broad-based, it ought to be simple, and it ought to be temporary.
        I had a conversation with Congressmen, with the leadership on both sides of the aisle yesterday,
    and I was encouraged by what I heard. And I believe we can come together
    on a growth package very quickly. We're going to need to. We need to get
    this deal done and get it out and get money in the hands of our
    consumers and small-business owners to help this economy.
        I'm optimistic, I truly am. One reason I'm optimistic is cause I
    understand we got all kinds of Americans just like this man here, who is
    working hard to provide a living for folks and to make a product people
    want.
        And so while there's some uncertainty right now, if we act quickly
    and in a smart way that helps growth, we're going to be just fine.
        Anyway, thanks for letting me come by. I'm proud to be--I love the
    entrepreneurial class in America. I love people who have a dream and
    work hard to achieve the dream.
        And so a fine-looking machine you got here.
        William Wright. Thank you. It's a team
    effort. We're thanking you, thanking you for all your work too.
        The President. Do you wonder where they got the name ``Wright''?
    That's his name. And his wife is the cofounder
    of the company. And this is--it's really great to be with you.
        And, Congressman, thank you for being
    here. I'm proud to be with your workers. You've got some fine workers.
        Mr. Wright. We've got a great team here,
    don't we?
        The President. Yes, you do. And if they get a little more money in
    their pocket as a result of the growth package, it'll help make sure
    this economy continues to grow.
        Anyway, thank you all very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:55 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    William Wright, president and chief executive officer, Wright
    Manufacturing, Inc., and his wife Margie; and Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett.

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