    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7710 of September 26, 2003

    Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    America's more than 3 million minority-owned businesses represent one of
    the fastest-growing segments of our Nation's economy. Through skill,
    hard work, and determination, these businesses are strengthening our
    Nation and our economy. During Minority Enterprise Development Week, we
    recognize these businesses, their owners, and their employees for their
    commitment to free enterprise and equal opportunity.
    Most businesses in America--including those that are minority-owned--are
    small businesses. Small businesses are a path to the American Dream and
    must be accessible to all of our citizens. Through the Department of
    Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency and the Small Business
    Administration, we are promoting both the growth of minority-owned
    businesses and equal access to Federal contracts, capital, and
    management and technical assistance.
    Small businesses also create most of the new jobs in our economy, and my
    Administration is acting to create an environment where small businesses
    grow and thrive. On May 28, I signed the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief
    Reconciliation Act of 2003, allowing entrepreneurs to keep more of their
    hard-earned money. My Administration is also pursuing an ambitious trade
    agenda. This year, I signed legislation implementing Free Trade
    Agreements with Chile and Singapore. These new Free Trade Agreements,
    and others that my Administration is seeking, not only will provide
    cheaper goods for consumers, but also will create new high-wage jobs for
    American workers.
    I encourage all Americans to recognize the strength and importance of
    our country's minority entrepreneurs and their employees. The talents,
    skills, and dedication of these citizens enrich our communities, and we
    honor their contributions to our Nation.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 28 through
    October 4, 2003, as Minority Enterprise Development Week. I encourage
    all Americans to celebrate this week with appropriate programs,
    ceremonies, and activities to recognize the many contributions of our
    Nation's minority enterprises.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-six day of
    September, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of

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    117 STAT. 3091

    the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
    twenty-eighth.
    GEORGE W. BUSH