[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 2 (Monday, January 21, 2008)]
[Page 86]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Tour of Wright Manufacturing, Inc., in Frederick, 
Maryland

January 18, 2008

    The President. Let me tell you why I'm here. This man started his 
own business. He is a manufacturer; he employs over a hundred people; 
and he represents the backbone of the American economy. And today I 
talked about our economy, and the fundamentals are strong, but there's 
uncertainty. And there's a opportunity to work with Congress to pass a 
progrowth package that'll deal with the uncertainty.
    Any package has got to remember that jobs are created by small 
businesses. A good package will have incentives for investment in it. 
The package we passed early in my administration helped him. He bought 
some equipment, made his firm more productive, kept him in business. 
That's the same spirit that needs to be in this next growth package.
    The other thing is, is that we got to make sure that we benefit 
consumers. We want our consumers out there spending, and the best way to 
do that is through broad-based tax relief. Now, this plan ought to be 
broad-based, it ought to be simple, and it ought to be temporary.
    I had a conversation with Congressman, with the leadership on both 
sides of the aisle yesterday, and I was encouraged by what I heard. And 
I believe we can come together on a growth package very quickly. We're 
going to need to. We need to get this deal done and get it out and get 
money in the hands of our consumers and small-business owners to help 
this economy.
    I'm optimistic; I truly am. One reason I'm optimistic is cause I 
understand we got all kinds of Americans just like this man here, 
working hard to provide a living for folks and to make a product people 
want.
    And so, while there's some uncertainty right now, if we act quickly 
and in a smart way that helps growth, we're going to be just fine.
    Anyway, thanks for letting me come by. I'm proud to be--I love the 
entrepreneurial class in America. I love people who have a dream and 
work hard to achieve the dream.
    And so--a fine-looking machine you got here.
    Bill Wright. Thank you. It's a team effort. We thank you, thank you 
for all your work too.
    The President. Do you wonder where they got the name ``Wright?'' 
That's his name. And his wife is the cofounder of the company. And this 
is--it's really great to be with you.
    And, Congressman, thank you for being here. I'm proud to be with 
your workers. You've got some fine workers.
    Mr. Wright. We've got a great team here, don't we?
    The President. Yes, you do. And if they get a little more money in 
their pocket as a result of the growth package, it'll help make sure 
this economy continues to grow.
    Anyway, thank you all very much.

Note: The President spoke at 1:55 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to 
Bill Wright, president and chief executive officer, Wright 
Manufacturing, Inc., and his wife, Margie; and Representative Roscoe G. 
Bartlett of Maryland.