[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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