[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 96 (Wednesday, May 20, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 23607-23608]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-11920]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 96 / Wednesday, May 20, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 23607]]


                Proclamation 8382 of May 15, 2009

                
Small Business Week, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The entrepreneurial spirit lies at the core of our 
                Nation's economy and identity. If Americans with good 
                ideas can work hard, put their plan to the test, and 
                succeed, the American economy will continue to create 
                jobs and lead the world in innovation and productivity. 
                During National Small Business Week, we honor the 
                entrepreneurs and small business owners who are the 
                engine of our economy. Their ingenuity and hard work 
                are critical to our Nation's prosperity.

                Small businesses are the lifeblood of cities and towns 
                across the country. Over the last decade, small 
                businesses created 70 percent of new jobs, and they are 
                responsible for half of all jobs in the private sector. 
                They also help enhance the lives of our citizens by 
                improving our quality of life and creating personal 
                wealth. Small businesses will lead the way to 
                prosperity, particularly in today's challenging 
                economic environment.

                My Administration is committed to economic policies 
                that encourage enterprise and make America the best 
                place in the world to do business. To support the free 
                flow of credit, I have worked to increase loan 
                guarantees, reduce borrowing fees, quicken loan 
                processing, and unlock the secondary markets that 
                support small business lending, among other measures. I 
                also support tax policies that promote investment in 
                small businesses, as well as health care reform that 
                will help these businesses provide more workers with 
                quality health care services.

                Our Nation's success depends on America's small 
                businesses and entrepreneurs. Their contributions are 
                necessary to rebuild our economy so that it once again 
                offers the opportunity to succeed to all who seek it. 
                This week we thank small business owners, 
                entrepreneurs, and employees for helping America 
                achieve that promise.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 17 through May 23, 2009, 
                as National Small Business Week. I call upon Government 
                officials, industry leaders, and advocates across the 
                Nation to encourage our citizens to celebrate the 
                achievements of small business owners and encourage the 
                creation of new businesses.

[[Page 23608]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fifteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
                <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT>
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-11920
Filed 5-19-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P