[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 38 (Monday, September 24, 2001)]
[Pages 1330-1331]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7467--Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2001

 September 17, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    More than three million minority business owners across the United 
States are helping to build a stronger America. These hardworking men 
and women contribute everyday to the economic development of their 
communities by creating jobs and other opportunities for their 
neighbors. Minority business entrepreneurs represent the best of the 
American spirit, in their determination to overcome obstacles and in 
their striving for better lives for themselves and for their families.
    My Administration encourages the growth and success of minority 
businesses across the United States by giving them the tools to succeed. 
The recent passage of the largest tax cut in nearly two decades is just 
one of those tools. We also slashed the bottom Federal income tax rate 
from 15 percent to 10 percent and thereby put more money into the hands 
of consumers and entrepreneurs. We are eliminating the death tax that 
has been such a heavy burden on our minority business owners. And I 
signed into law, Public Law 107-16, the ``Economic Growth and Tax 
Reconciliation Act of 2001,'' that will increase lower income groups' 
access to the middle class, promote equal opportunity, and encourage 
entrepreneurship.

[[Page 1331]]

    One important way that we can encourage entrepreneurial growth in 
the minority-owned business community is to open up new markets abroad 
for American products. If Congress gives me trade promotion authority 
(TPA), I will have the negotiating power to knock down the trade 
barriers that prevent American goods from entering some markets around 
the world. The growth and expanded opportunities that TPA would bring 
will mean jobs for many working people and more opportunities for 
minority-owned businesses.
    As we celebrate the achievements of our Nation's minority 
entrepreneurs during Minority Enterprise Development Week, we also 
affirm our commitment to the principle of equal opportunity. My 
Administration is working hard to achieve an historic reform in our 
education system that will significantly improve our schools and make 
sure that no child is left behind. My agenda also supports effective job 
training for all Americans to ensure that the American dream touches 
every willing heart. In so doing, we will enhance our Nation's strength 
and productivity, while creating more vibrant communities and improved 
standards of living for every citizen.
    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 23 through 
September 29, 2001, as Minority Enterprise Development Week. I urge all 
Americans to join in observing this week with appropriate programs, 
ceremonies, and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day 
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 12:17 p.m., September 
18, 2001]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 19.