William H. Frist: “Benjamin Franklin once said: He that would fish must venture his bait. In America, we have millions of creative women…”

“Benjamin Franklin once said: He that would fish must venture his bait. In America, we have millions of creative women and men and even teens who cast their reels every day in the hopes of catching the American dream. And fortunately we have the most vibrant economy in the world and the Small Business Administration to help them. This week the Small Business Administration is hosting its annual celebration of America's entrepreneurs at the Washington Hilton. President Bush spoke to the group several days ago in recognition of their tremendous contributions. One of the topics that had been discussed over the course of the week is just how important are small business owners. These innovators create 60 to 80 percent of new jobs nationwide. They generate more than 50 percent of the gross domestic product. Small business owners are the heart of the American marketplace, and their contributions to jobs and productivity are its lifeblood. In my home State of Tennessee, over 97 percent of all businesses are small businesses. Women-owned businesses generate billions of dollars in revenue and employ tens of thousands of workers. Minority-owned firms, the fastest growing small business sector in America, account for nearly 33,000 small businesses in Tennessee. Elisa Comer, CEO of Eagle's Landing Transcription Service over in Johnson City, TN, has been chosen this year as one of the Small Business Administration's 50 small business people of the year.…”