Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2001

Proclamation 7467 of September 17, 2001

Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More than three million minority business owners across
the United States are helping to build a stronger
America. These hardworking men and women contribute
everyday to the economic development of their
communities by creating jobs and other opportunities
for their neighbors. Minority business entrepreneurs
represent the best of the American spirit, in their
determination to overcome obstacles and in their
striving for better lives for themselves and for their
families.

My Administration encourages the growth and success of
minority businesses across the United States by giving
them the tools to succeed. The recent passage of the
largest tax cut in nearly two decades is just one of
those tools. We also slashed the bottom Federal income
tax rate from 15 percent to 10 percent and thereby put
more money into the hands of consumers and
entrepreneurs. We are eliminating the death tax that
has been such a heavy burden on our minority business
owners. And I signed into law, Public Law 107-16, the
``Economic Growth and Tax Reconciliation Act of 200l,''
that will increase lower income groups' access to the
middle class, promote equal opportunity, and encourage
entrepreneurship.

One important way that we can encourage entrepreneurial
growth in the minority-owned business community is to
open up new markets abroad for American products. If
Congress gives me trade promotion authority (TPA), I
will have the negotiating power to knock down the trade
barriers that prevent American goods from entering some
markets around the world. The growth and expanded
opportunities that TPA would bring will mean jobs for
many working people and more opportunities for
minority-owned businesses.

As we celebrate the achievements of our Nation's
minority entrepreneurs during Minority Enterprise
Development Week, we also affirm our commitment to the
principle of equal opportunity. My Administration is
working hard to achieve an historic reform in our
education system that will significantly improve our
schools and make sure that no child is left behind. My
agenda also supports effective job training for all
Americans to ensure that the American dream touches
every willing heart. In so doing, we will enhance our
Nation's strength and productivity, while creating more
vibrant communities and improved standards of living
for every citizen.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 September 23 through
September 29, 2001, as Minority Enterprise Development
Week. I urge all Americans to join in observing this
week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and
activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand one, and of the

Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-sixth.

(Presidential Sig.)B