[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

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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