Graves Commemorates National Small Business Week

Embarks on Small Business & Middle Class Relief Forum Tour

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Next week, May 12-16, will mark the 51st annual National Small Business Week, a time to celebrate the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of America.

"During this National Small Business Week, we celebrate the unique importance of small businesses to the economic health of our nation and neighborhoods," said Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), House Small Business Committee Chairman. "There is no questioning the value of small business to the well-being of America. Small businesses employ about half of all private sector employees and create more than half of the nonfarm private gross domestic product."

During Small Business Week, Congressman Graves will be in Cameron, Chillicothe, Trenton, and Gallatin to host a Small Business & Middle Class Relief Forum with members of the area business communities. The question and answer events will feature discussion on ways to achieve relief from overbearing government regulations burdening small businesses, farmers, and families.

"We have not fully recovered from the recession because our small businesses aren't enjoying the type of freedom needed to innovate, take risks and grow. Nevertheless, I applaud our nation's small business leaders. Despite a tough regulatory and economic environment, they have found a way to persevere and be the rock of communities," Graves added.

###