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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

August 20, 2009

MINORITY ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT WEEK, 2009

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Our Nation's strength rests on the ingenuity and creativity

of the American people. Across our country, almost 4 million

minority-owned firms exemplify this spirit as they create jobs,

develop new products and services, and promote community and

economic development. The growth and expansion of these

businesses is an increasingly critical part of our economic

recovery and long-term prosperity.

At a time when too many Americans are facing extraordinary

economic challenges, supporting the development of minority-owned

enterprises will help accelerate the revitalization of

our economy. Of the 630,000 minority-owned employer firms,

these businesses are providing employment and stability to

4.7 million workers while renewing urban neighborhoods and

rural communities. They represent a key component of future

growth for our economy.

Minority Enterprise Development Week is an opportunity

to commemorate the tremendous value minority entrepreneurs

and their employees bring to our economy and our Nation as a

whole. They embody the timeless American values of hard work,

integrity, and optimism. They also serve as role models to

countless children who want to start their own business or

reach their personal goals. Through their accomplishments

and example, these leaders affirm that, with determination

and commitment, every American can achieve his or her

potential and live out their dreams.

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 August 23 through August 29, 2009, as Minority

Enterprise Development Week. I call upon all Americans to

celebrate this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and

activities to recognize the many contributions of our Nation's

minority enterprises.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

twentieth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand

nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America

the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

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