S*1294 Resolution, By Sheheen
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND CULTURAL IMPACT OF
 SMALL BUSINESSES ACROSS OUR STATE AND TO CELEBRATE DURING NATIONAL SMALL
 BUSINESS WEEK THE PROFOUND BENEFIT THEY BRING TO THE LIVES OF OUR CITIZENS.

   05/13/14  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 5)

TO RECOGNIZE THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND CULTURAL IMPACT OF SMALL BUSINESSES ACROSS OUR STATE AND TO CELEBRATE DURING NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK THE PROFOUND BENEFIT THEY BRING TO THE LIVES OF OUR CITIZENS.

Whereas, every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners; and

Whereas, the 2014 observance of National Small Business Week is May 12 through May 16; and

Whereas, during National Small Business Week, the United States Small Business Administration highlights the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners who create approximately two out of every three new jobs in the nation each year; and

Whereas, small businesses represent more than ninety-nine percent of all employer firms nationally; and

Whereas, small businesses have generated an impressive sixty-four percent of all new jobs since 1995 and have paid forty-four percent of the total private payroll in the United States; and

Whereas, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Palmetto State boasts 280,119 small businesses, many of which are non-employer establishments; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Department of Commerce maintains that small business represents more than ninety-seven percent of all employers in South Carolina and generates over half of all the new jobs that are created; and

Whereas, the United States Small Business Technology Council reports that smaller firms employ thirty-two percent of the nation's scientists and engineers, significantly more than the twenty-seven percent employed by larger firms; and.

Whereas, according to Bryan McCanless, president of the National Business Association, small business has a major impact on the gross product, job creation, research, engineering, and technology development in the Palmetto State; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the critical need to grow the base of small businesses in our State in order to promote the entrepreneurial spirit so inherent in the American culture, which is the economic vitality and mainstay of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize the social, economic, and cultural impact of small businesses across our State and celebrate during National Small Business Week the profound benefit they bring to the lives of our citizens.