    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 42 (Monday, October 22, 2007)]
    [Page 1334]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks at Stribling Packaging, Inc., in Rogers, Arkansas

    October 15, 2007

        The President. One of the reasons I've stopped by this facility here
    in Arkansas is to remind people that small business is the backbone of
    our economy. These good folks are making a living; more importantly,
    they're providing labor for people here in this facility. And that's
    what we want. We want people working in America. We've gone through now
    49 consecutive months of uninterrupted job growth--that's a record for
    the United States.
        And one of the reasons why is, our small-business owners are working
    hard. And another reason why is, we've got people in the United States
    Congress who understand the role of government, and that is not to get
    in the way of business, but it's to create an environment where
    businesses flourish. And when people are buying this man's boxes, it
    also means they're buying product at the retail level.
        And so I want to thank you for giving me a chance to come by.
        Bill Stribling. Absolutely.
        The President. Appreciate the opportunity to meet your workers. As I
    was walking around, I was shaking the workers' hands. He said, ``That's
    good that you're meeting them. After all, they're the reason this
    business is growing.'' And I appreciate a man who understands that.
    Thanks for your hospitality.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:44 a.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    Bill Stribling, president, Stribling Packaging, Inc.