Small Business: America's Unsung Heroes

Small business owners are America's unsung heroes. The nation's 27 million small businesses represent more than 99% of all employers, account for about half of all private sector workers, and create 60%-80% of the nation's net new jobs.
 
These dreamers and risk takers embody the entrepreneurial spirit that makes this country so great. They bring dynamic ideas, innovative services, and new products to the marketplace. They prove day after day that the American Dream is attainable if you have a good idea, work hard, and provide outstanding customer service.
 
That's why the U.S. Chamber is proud to fight for these businesses every day in Washington, D.C., and why we're always the first to sing their praises before the nation. We are among the loudest cheerleaders for entrepreneurs who work to make life better for their families, their employees, and their communities.
 
This week is National Small Business Week, and the Chamber celebrated early by holding its annual Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. last week. Hundreds of small businesses came from across the country to hear from President Bush and other outstanding speakers and to rally for small business priorities on Capitol Hill.

 

A special part of the Summit is our Small Business of the Year Award, which recognizes a business for demonstrating excellence in financial performance, business planning, staff training and motivation, community involvement, and customer service.

 

This year's winner-from hundreds of entrants across the country-was Permac Industries of Burnsville, Minnesota. Permac manufactures precision machine parts for a wide range of industries. Led by Darlene Miller, owner and president, Permac has grown from a simple screw machine shop into a state-of-the-art precision machining company. The company doubled the size of its plant in 2007 and increased profits by 15%. 
 
Permac is a shining example of today's small businesses-politically active, generous to their employees, and making a difference in their communities. Permac took part in a trade mission to India with Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty in 2007, offers a profit-sharing plan for all eligible employees, and established Hope for Tomorrow, a mentoring program for at-risk girls.

 

Whenever someone has doubts about the future of our country, they should stop and think about the millions of entrepreneurs who risk it all to make their dreams come true. When you think of their optimism, hard work, and sense of possibilities, you can't help but conclude that America will continue to be the greatest nation on earth.