WHEREAS, This year is the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Small Business Administration (SBA); and
     WHEREAS, The mission of the SBA is to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting, and protecting the interests of America's small businesses; and
     WHEREAS, The SBA has helped families and businesses to recover from national disasters; and
     WHEREAS, For the last 50 years the SBA has ensured that the American Dream was opened to all entrepreneurs; and
     WHEREAS, Small businesses have contributed to our nation's progress and economic strength; and
     WHEREAS, We want to make sure that small business remains the symbol of the American Dream; and
     WHEREAS, Small businesses represent more than 99.7 percent of all employers and employ up to 60 percent of all working people; and
     WHEREAS, Small businesses pay 44.5 percent of total private payroll; and
     WHEREAS, Small businesses generate 80 to 100 percent of net new jobs annually; and
     WHEREAS, Small businesses produce 13 to 14 times more patents per employee than large firms; and
     WHEREAS, Small businesses are the source of economic strength nationally as well as in the Northwest; and
     WHEREAS, The SBA brought $713.5 million and 21,872 jobs to the regional economy last year; and
     WHEREAS, The SBA loaned $372.8 million to minorities, women, and veterans last year; and
     WHEREAS, The SBA will continue for the next 50 years and more, supporting business owners who are willing to take risks and work hard to succeed;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Senate of the state of Washington, That the Small Business Administration be honored for its service, support, and dedication to small business owners and entrepreneurs across this great nation and here in Washington state; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Conrad Lee, SBA administrator for the Northwest and Alaska Region.