Small Business Owners See Positive Impact Of Economic Stimulus Package

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce joined over 20 of its small and mid-market business members in the White House signing ceremony for the economic stimulus package and touted the practical benefits to business owners and the economy.

Jason Speer, vice president of Quality Float Works, Inc., a 93-year-old family-owned business that manufactures metal floats and valves, traveled from Schaumberg, Illinois to attend the event. "Thanks to this bill, we now have the ability to purchase new equipment that will improve our productivity, increase our revenue, and allow us to hire new employees," said Speer. "We're looking forward to seeing the fruits of this legislation and are grateful to the Chamber for supporting small businesses in helping expand and grow our economy."

Also in attendance was Tom Sawner, CEO of Arlington, Virginia based Educational Options, Inc., a Web-based provider of high school and adult education curriculum. "As a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business we really appreciate this assistance," said Sawner. "This package will help us on a practical level to hire additional staff."

The Chamber fought for the inclusion of bonus depreciation and increased expensing provisions that reduce the amount of time required for businesses to recover their investment cost. The Chamber praised Congress and the President for taking swift action to infuse cash into the economy through the issuance of tax rebates that will put money in workers' pockets, stimulate consumption, and mitigate the effects of the slowing economy.

"We believe that the stimulus package will encourage immediate investment, increase productivity, and further the prospects for long-term economic growth," said Chamber executive vice president Bruce Josten.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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08-21