A Joint Resolution designating May of each year as "Small Business Month" in New Jersey.

Whereas, In 1953 the federal government recognized the importance of small business in the United States by founding the Small Business Administration, which fosters small business growth through various forms of assistance, and by designating a week in May as National Small Business Week, an annual event which marks its 49th anniversary in 2012; and

Whereas, Small businesses in the United States, which are businesses with less than 500 employees, contribute to approximately half of the nation's annual GDP and more than half of the nation's employment; and

Whereas, In 2010 Governor Christie and Lieutenant Governor Guadagno created the Partnership for Action, which serves as the hub for all economic development activity in the State, and which includes the Business Action Center, which is a comprehensive resource that promotes the growth of the State's businesses; and

Whereas, New Jersey had 762,422 small businesses in 2009, which encompassed 98.4% of all employers and 50.3% of the State's workforce, or 1.7 million workers; and

Whereas, Small businesses support an array of other local services, such as architects, designers, cabinet shops, sign makers, food suppliers, attorneys, advertising agencies, and contractors for construction, which generates economic activity for the entire community; and

Whereas, Small businesses ensure choice and diversity of products and services and they help develop and maintain strong community character and identity, defining a sense of place and pride for residents, and offering incentive for tourists to visit; and

Whereas, The recent economic downturn has adversely impacted small business growth across the country, and the National Federation of Independent Business's Index of Small Business Optimism indicates there has been no increase in small business optimism in 2012; and

Whereas, Small businesses are the largest part of the State's economy, and small businesses are integral to the State's economic health, identity, and well-being, which must be celebrated and supported; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The month of May of each year is designated as "Small Business Month" to recognize the vital importance of small businesses in the State and local economies, and how their success strengthens community identity and pride.

2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens and residents of this State to observe the month by patronizing small businesses, as well as engaging in appropriate activities and programs designed to support small businesses across the State.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates May of each year as "Small Business Month" with the goal of recognizing the vital importance of small businesses in the State and local economies, and how their success strengthens community identity and pride. Small businesses in the United States, which are businesses with less than 500 employees, contribute to approximately half of the nation's annual GDP and more than half of the nation's employment. New Jersey had 762,422 small businesses in 2009, which encompassed 98.4% of all employers and 50.3% of the State's workforce, or 1.7 million workers.

Small businesses support an array of other local services, such as architects, designers, cabinet shops, sign makers, food suppliers, attorneys, advertising agencies, and contractors for construction, which enriches the entire community. Small businesses ensure choice and diversity of products and services and they help develop and maintain strong community character and identity, defining a sense of place and pride for residents, and offering incentive for tourists to visit. Communities lose the economic and cultural benefits of small businesses when large chain stores are established because large chains often force small businesses to close, displace more jobs than they create, and redirect wealth out of the community, which underscores the importance of encouraging small businesses to flourish.

The recent economic downturn has adversely impacted small business growth across the country, and the National Federation of Independent Business's Index of Small Business Optimism indicates there has been no increase in small business optimism in 2012. Small businesses are the largest part of the State's economy, and small businesses are integral to the State's economic health, identity, and well-being, which must be celebrated and supported.