[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 19 (Monday, May 13, 2002)]
[Pages 749-750]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7555--Small Business Week, 2002

 May 3, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The strength of our economy is built on the creativity and 
entrepreneurship of our people. Those who own and operate our Nation's 
25 million small businesses make a vital contribution to our prosperity 
through their ongoing work to create new technologies, products, and 
services. These hardworking men and women and their employees define the 
American spirit through their innovation, dedication, and determination.
    The tragedy of September 11, 2001, greatly affected our Nation and 
our economy; but our economy is recovering and remains fundamentally 
sound. In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, the business community 
rose to this challenge by volunteering their time and services to help 
with the relief and rebuilding efforts in New York City and Washington, 
D.C. This compassionate spirit demonstrated America's true character.
    To help businesses recover from September 11, my Administration has 
made more than $520 million in disaster loans available to business 
owners nationwide. I also remain committed to a domestic policy that 
stimulates economic growth, boosts consumer purchasing power, and 
creates a level playing field. Our efforts to lower taxes, enact 
reasonable regulations, and reduce tariffs and other barriers to free 
trade will increase the competitive position of our small businesses. To 
further encourage economic growth, I recently signed into law the Job 
Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002. The Act helps to create more 
jobs across our country by providing tax incentives for companies to 
expand and create jobs by investing in facilities and equipment. This 
action will lead to more opportunities in manufacturing, high-tech 
sectors, and our small businesses. I am also committed to achieve a 
permanent repeal of the death tax and the permanent extension of tax 
relief to help ensure the strength and survival of small businesses.
    America's small business owners represent more than 99 percent of 
all employers and their businesses employ more than half of the private 
work force. These entrepreneurs who create more than 66 percent of the 
new jobs nationwide and generate more than 50 percent of the Nation's 
gross domestic product growth are critical to our country's prosperity 
and the well-being of our communities. We salute these employers by 
celebrating Small Business Week and recognizing their contributions to 
all Americans.
    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 May 5 through May 11, 
2002, as Small Business Week. I call on all Americans to observe this 
week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs that 
celebrate the achievements of small business owners and encourage and 
foster the development of new enterprises.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the

[[Page 750]]

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 8, 2002]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 6, and it was published in the Federal Register on May 
9.