Monday, October 4, 2004
For Immediate Release
Walden Named “Small Business Advocate,” “Friend of
the Shareholder”
Small Business Survival Committee, American
Shareholders Association recognize Congressman’s
work on behalf of economy, small businesses
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Greg Walden
(R-OR) has been honored by the Small Business
Survival Committee (SBSC) as a “Small Business
Advocate” and by the American Shareholders
Association (ASA) as a “Friend of the Shareholder”
for his work and legislative record during the 108th
Congress.
As one of the nation’s leading small business
advocacy groups, the SBSC presented their Small
Business Advocate award to Walden based on a
legislative record that demonstrated a strong
commitment to America’s small business and
entrepreneurial sector. “Small businesses have
shouldered much of the responsibility in getting our
economy back to strong levels of growth,” said SBSC
president and CEO Karen Kerrigan. “By voting for
key small business initiatives, Rep. Walden has
played a vital role in encouraging job creation and
business investment.”
“As small business owners, my wife and I have
created jobs and met payroll that is spent in our
local community, and we know how hard small
businesses throughout Oregon work to keep our
economy growing,” said Walden. “Small businesses
are the backbone of the American economy, especially
when it comes to rural communities, and it is
important that we encourage individuals to start,
invest in and expand these companies.”
Additionally, the ASA awarded their annual “Friend
of the Shareholder” honor to Walden as a result of
his commitment to issues important to investors and
the economy, such as tax relief for working families
and preserving the use of stock options.
Representative Walden has a 90 percent voting record
with the organization.
“The Friend of the Shareholder award demonstrates
Representative Walden stood on the side of investors
during this critical time by voting for pro-growth,
pro-investor legislation which has boosted investor
confidence,” said ASA executive director Daniel
Clifton. “His voting record demonstrates an avid
commitment to protecting Oregon shareholders and
enhancing economic growth in America.”
“More than 50 percent of households in America
currently invest in the market to plan for
retirement, fund college educations and provide for
their families,” said Walden. “When we have a
strong market and high investor confidence, we have
a strong economy and increasing job creation. These
are elements important to the entire nation, but
especially here in Oregon where unemployment remains
higher than nearly all other states in the country.”
“I am
honored that these groups have recognized my
commitment to increasing the economic health of our
communities, state and nation,” added Walden. “As
our economy continues to trend upward, so will our
quality of life.”
The SBSC is a national nonprofit small business
advocacy organization with 70,000 members
nationwide. The ASA is a nonprofit organization
dedicated to analyzing legislation affecting
shareholders and to the education of U.S. investors.
Congressman Walden represents the Second
Congressional District of Oregon, which includes 20
counties in southern, central and eastern Oregon. He
is a Deputy Whip in the House leadership structure
and a member of the House Committee on Energy and
Commerce as well as the Committee on Resources.
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