Press Releases

Luetkemeyer Earns Spirit of Enterprise Award from U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Washington, DC, April 27, 2010
In recognition of his efforts in Congress on behalf of businesses that create jobs and spur economic growth, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today received the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
 In recognition of his efforts in Congress on behalf of businesses that create jobs and spur economic growth, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today received the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
 
“As a small businessman and small farmer, job creation and economic growth have been a top priority for me during these tough economic times, and I have worked hard on these issues in Congress. The biggest impact of government on businesses are taxes and regulations, and we need to keep those to a minimum so businesses can do what they do best --create jobs and grow the economy. Our business community creates jobs, not the government,” Luetkemeyer said. “With so many things working against our economy right now -- government spending spiraling out of control, cap-and-trade legislation with the potential to drive energy costs through the roof, and a health care bill estimated to cost over a trillion dollars -- it is important to fully understand the economic consequences of our legislative actions.”
“The Chamber applauds Representative Luetkemeyer for supporting the private sector and job growth through these difficult times,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “He has demonstrated great courage and we commend him.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation, representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. More than 96 percent of U.S. Chamber members are small businesses with 100 employees or fewer.
Luetkemeyer, a member of the House Small Business Committee, has sponsored two pieces of legislation that have cleared the House to make the SBA’s programs more responsive to the needs of our small business men and women. The House passed both pieces of legislation in a strong bipartisan vote.
Luetkemeyer’s Expanding Entrepreneurship Act of 2009, part of the Job Creation through Entrepreneurship Act of 2009, makes several changes to the SBA’s entrepreneurial development programs and at no cost to taxpayers. The bill passed 406-to-15 in the House. Luetkemeyer’s Small Business Investment Company Modernization and Improvement Act of 2009, part of the Small Business Financing and Investment Act of 2009, updates and streamlines the SBA’s largest investment program. The bill passed 389-to-32.     
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