    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8547--AUG. 20, 2010

    Proclamation 8547 of August 20, 2010
    Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Since our Nation's founding, the United States has been a beacon of
    economic opportunity and limitless possibility. America's strength and
    resiliency have relied on the vision of our entrepreneurs and small

    [[Page 4673]]

    business owners, whose tireless work ethic has defined the character of
    our country. During Minority Enterprise Development Week, we celebrate
    the millions of minority business owners whose firms generate jobs,
    strengthen our economy, and embody the entrepreneurial spirit of
    America.
    Even in the toughest of times, America has been characterized by the
    belief that anyone with a good idea and enough hard work can succeed and
    share those achievements with their employees and communities. Today, as
    we emerge from a historic recession, many families and businesses face
    difficult economic challenges, and we must continue to prioritize job
    creation as part of a sustained recovery that works for all Americans.
    Minority-owned and operated enterprises are essential to stabilizing our
    economy now, and laying a foundation for future economic growth and
    prosperity.
    Looking forward, we must continue to remove barriers so these businesses
    can create new employment opportunities, increase their capacity, and
    advance our long-term prosperity. To achieve this goal, my
    Administration is committed to taking concrete steps to increase
    Government procurement opportunities for small and minority businesses.
    By unleashing the energy and ingenuity of American entrepreneurs in the
    domestic and international marketplaces, we can generate millions of
    jobs here at home, open and expand new markets, reduce barriers to
    trade, and ensure strong and balanced economic growth. As America
    competes in the global economy, it is vital we capitalize on the
    dedication, creativity, and acumen shown by our minority business owners
    and their employees. Through the National Export Initiative, my
    Administration is teaming with American businesses to double our exports
    over the next 5 years. The skills and leadership of minority business
    owners and employees will be critical as our public servants and
    business leaders develop the linguistic capabilities, cultural
    competencies, and international partnerships needed in a 21st century
    economy.
    Minority Enterprise Development Week is anchored by the American legacy
    of entrepreneurial ambition and innovation. As we honor minority
    enterprises, their industrious owners, and their hard-working employees,
    let us also recognize the diversity, determination, insight, and
    innovation of American businesses, and the immeasurable support they
    lend to our leadership in the global marketplace.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 22 through
    August 28, 2010, as Minority Enterprise Development Week. I call upon
    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 twentieth day of
    August, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA