April 9-15 marks a special occasion as we recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs during Small Business Week. This week, and throughout the year, we join in commending the men and women who run small businesses and play such an important part in the economic growth of southern West Virginia.

The most recent data available puts the number of small businesses operating in West Virginia at 118,700. Of the 37,144 employer firms, 96.6 percent or an estimated 35,900 were small firms. By supporting these businesses and pushing forward with a number of important economic initiatives, there is no reason to believe these numbers will not continue to grow.

Small businesses are the grease that keeps the wheels of our economy turning smoothly. They create jobs for West Virginia workers and produce West Virginia products. They truly represent the American dream.

Being a small business owner myself for many years, I remain committed to nurturing an environment where our innovators can flourish.

I have supported funding for the Small Business Administration each and every year. The SBA plays a big part in aiding, counseling and protecting the interests of our small businesses and ensuring their success.

I have also worked with the Appalachian Regional Commission and the West Virginia High Technology Consortium to bring programs to southern West Virginia which will help arm our small businesses with the technological know-how, skills and strategies they need to produce and market their products.

Small business is the backbone of our State's economy and the entrepreneurial spirit that pervades the mountains of West Virginia is unique and inspiring. It is an honor for me to be an advocate on their behalf and, again, I urge you to join me in applauding businessmen and women whose contributions to our state are invaluable.

I congratulate Connie Saunders of Saunders Staffing, Inc., of Bluefield, who has been selected as the SBA's 2006 Small Business Person of the Year from West Virginia and the many others who have, through their dedication and dreams, made West Virginia a better place.