Proclamation 3648—Small Business Week, 1965

Whereas small business has through our history contributed to our cherished system of free, competitive enterprise; and

Whereas the Nation's 4.7 million small businesses:

--include nine of every ten businesses that supply the needs and wants of the American people;

--provide more than a third of the Nation's goods and services;

--contribute significantly to the well-being of our citizens, to the defense of freedom, and to the exploration of new scientific frontiers; and

Whereas small business concerns, by continuing to grow in number and strength, will provide additional jobs needed by a growing Nation; and

Whereas small business holds open the floor of opportunity for men and women of all races and creeds and

Whereas small business is a source of new ideas, new methods, and new products which enrich the lives of our citizens and stimulate our economic growth; and

Whereas small businessmen are leaders in the business and civic affairs of their communities, and will continue to play, a leading role in community-wide action to eliminate poverty Wherever it exists;

Now, Therefore, I, Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the week beginning May 23, 1965, as Small Business Week; and I call upon chambers of commerce, boards of trade, and other public and private organizations to participate in ceremonies recognizing the contribution of small business to our goal of a better and more productive life for all our people.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

DONE at the City of Washington this twenty-fourth day of March in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sixty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and eighty-ninth.

LYNDON B. JOHNSON

By the President:

DEAN RUSK,

Secretary of State.