Blog: Honoring Small Business, Local Commerce

Statement

Welcome back from Thanksgiving and a long weekend of themed retail days. As you can see below, I got "Small Business Saturday" started on the right foot this year.

And I wasn't alone at the Charlotte Running Company; a lot of customers seemed to have the same idea I did about putting in some miles to work off Thanksgiving calories.

For more than a decade, the Charlotte Running Company has helped North Carolinians re-enact their favorite scenes from Rocky or Chariots of Fire. Of course, they've also helped thousands of people in my hometown get in shape and stay fit.

I'm proud to count myself among their customers -- especially last Saturday, a day set aside by the Small Business Administration for celebrating the engines of our local economies.

I'm also proud that when it comes to all modes of transportation, not just running, DOT "shops small," too. Our Department has earned an A-rating from the Small Business Administration --the highest rating a government agency can be awarded-- for our work with local companies and contractors.

Across the country, we'll continue to work with businesses large and small that are focused on improving our nation's railways, runways, roadways and waterways.

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