Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 105 Part 3.djvu/668

 105 STAT. 2552 PROCLAMATION 6289—MAY 7, 1991 Proclamation 6289 of May 7, 1991 Small Business Week, 1991 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The freedom we celebrate during this 200th year of our Bill of Rights has enabled the United States to become a strong and prosperous Nation. Able to enjoy the unfettered "pursuit of Happiness" and allowed to reap the fruits of our labor, we Americans have achieved unparalleled levels of innovation and productivity. This week we honor in a special way America's small business men and women—courageous, hardworking individuals who have taken advantage of our Nation's free enterprise system and helped to show that this is, indeed, a land of liberty and opportunity for all. Each day America's small business man and women help to lead the way in the development of new technology and products and in the improvement of existing goods and services. These indusfrious leaders also help to create jobs and opportunities for milhons of their fellow citizens while promoting the economic development of their communities. In so doing, they demonstrate that individual initiative and private enterprise are keys to advancement for both individuals and nations. Driven by more than 20 million small businesses, America's thriving free enterprise system serves as a model for the world. Indeed, as nations in Eastern Europe and elsewhere move to restructiu'e their economies—an immense task that will entail many challenges—America's small businesses provide an inspiring example of free market principles in action. Our Nation's entrepreneurs understand the risks and challenges faced by business owners in a market-driven economy, but they also appreciate the rewards of taking an idea and making it work, creating jobs and meeting a payroll, and contributing to one's community. Today many small business owners contribute to their communities not only throiigh their day-to-day activities but also through corporate philanthropy and voluntary service. Demonstrating that good citizenship is good business, many small business owners and their employees are reaching out to persons in need of a helping hand. These entrepreneurs are among the points of light that reflect our Nation's conscience and illuminate its social landscape. Because small businesses enrich our lives in so many ways, because their owners and employees have a vital role to play in keeping America competitive, we must continue working to maintain a business climate that is conducive to their success. Doing so will require eliminating government regulations wherever they are counterproductive, offering incentives for investment, and reducing the tax rate on long-term capital gains. It will also require that we continue working for a level playing field in the international marketplace, eliminating barriers to the free flow of goods and services aroimd the world. As they have demonsfrated time and again, when given the freedom and the opportunity to put their talent and ideas to work, America's small business men and women not only succeed, they excel.

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