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Rep. Foster Tours Joliet Small Businesses, Celebrates Small Business Week

June 21, 2013

 

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Congressman Foster at the Route 66 Diner in Joliet

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Foster commemorated the 50th Annual National Small Business Week with a tour of Joliet small businesses. The week highlights the significant role small businesses play in the economy.

Earlier this week Foster launched the 11th District Small Business Survey to help gauge what issues most impact small business owners in the 11th District of Illinois.

“It is important to remember the key role small businesses play in supporting our economy,” said Foster. “As a former small business owner, I understand how challenging it can be to start and grow a business. That is why I am dedicated to providing small businesses with the support and tools they need to remain successful.”

When he was 19, Bill Foster and his brother Fred co-founded a business in their basement that now produces over half of the theatrical stage lighting equipment in the United States. The firm manufactures its products in the Midwest and employs over 650 people.

Since 1963, National Small Business Week has celebrated the vital contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners to the U.S. economy. Last year, small businesses created 700,000 jobs and accounted for 40% of the employment in this country. Additionally, through the 2009 Recovery Act and Small Business Jobs Act, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has supported $93 billion in lending to more than 166,000 small businesses.