[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 34 (Monday, August 28, 2006)]
[Pages 1503-1504]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8041--Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2006

 August 22, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During Minority Enterprise Development Week, we celebrate the 
outstanding progress made by minority business owners, recognize their 
important contributions to our Nation's vibrant economy, and emphasize 
our commitment to helping them succeed.
    Throughout our country, minority entrepreneurs strengthen our 
economic growth and keep our Nation moving forward. As Ronald Reagan 
said, entrepreneurs are the ``explorers of the modern era,'' and 
minority business owners help expand opportunities for their communities 
and their fellow citizens. A free society in which people have the 
opportunity to pursue their goals, no matter who they are or where they 
are from, is a stronger and more just society.
    Over the past 3 years, our economy has grown by nearly $1.3 
trillion, and minority businesses have contributed to that growth. Since 
2001, my Administration has worked with the Congress to deliver the 
largest tax relief in two decades, leaving more money for minority 
business owners to reinvest. We are also undertaking initiatives to 
widen the ownership of businesses. With these resources, minority 
enterprises are hiring more employees, improving their communities, and 
helping fuel our country's economic resurgence.
    Minority businesses throughout our Nation remain strong, and our 
country benefits from the positive impact they have on our economy. 
Minority business owners represent the hopeful spirit of America, and 
all across this land, Americans continue to achieve their dreams and 
build better futures for themselves and their families. During Minority 
Enterprise Development Week, we underscore our commitment to helping 
entrepreneurs realize the promise of our great Nation.
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by

[[Page 1504]]

the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim 
August 27 through September 2, 2006, 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 twenty-second 
day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:46 a.m., August 24, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was release by the Office of the Press Secretary 
on August 23, and it was published in the Federal Register on August 25.