Title
Proclamation declaring April 21-25, 2008 "Small Business Week" in Allegheny County.
Body
WHEREAS, small business has historically contributed significantly to our economy, adding 1.9 million jobs and employing 50.9 % of the nation's non-farming private workforce, while also providing women with the opportunity to succeed in business, with over 6.5 million small businesses boasting female owners; and
WHEREAS, for the past 45 years, the President of the United States has set aside a week to honor and celebrate small business; and
WHEREAS, this year, National Small Business Week will be held from April 21- 25, 2008; and
WHEREAS, on a local level, the Western Pennsylvania area will honor exceptional small business persons on May 23rd, featuring a marketing fair and an awards luncheon; and
WHEREAS, the awards, which will be presented to 10 outstanding business persons and small business champions, will range from Small Business Person of the Year to Young Entrepreneur of the Year; and
WHEREAS, advocates will also be honored with the Minority Small Business Champion of the Year and Women in Business Champion of the Year;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council does hereby proclaim April 21-25, 2008 as “Small Business Week” in Allegheny County. We join with local and national small businesses in celebrating the contributions of small business owners and workers and thank them for their efforts to strengthen our local and national economies in an increasingly global marketplace.