Homeland Security Expo Highlights Firms' Role in National Security; Bond, Ridge Praise Small Business Patriotism

7/10/2002

From: Craig Orfield of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 202-224-4086 http://sbc.senate.gov/republican

WASHINGTON, July 10 -- Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.) said today representatives of some of the country's most enterprising small businesses offered government leaders a close-up look at new products, technologies and research that can help enhance national security during The Small Business Homeland Security Expo, held today on Capitol Hill.

"As our nation faces the challenge of strengthening homeland security, small firms and entrepreneurs have an unprecedented opportunity to put their unique qualities to work for the national good while helping themselves and their employees prosper," said Bond, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Speaking during the Expo with Governor Tom Ridge, the President's Homeland Security Advisor, Bond said it "should come as no surprise" that small businesses are playing a vital role in the response to the worst terrorist attack in our history. "This event was designed to highlight that fact and help key leaders recognize the true potential of small firms to play a major role in achieving our national security goals."

Co-sponsored by Bond and Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), the Expo offered a chance for about 50 companies from across the country, including eight from Missouri to showcase their products and research. Companies participating were nominated by members of Congress at the request of Bond and Kerry.

Missouri firms exhibiting today include: Allied Materials and Equipment Company, Inc., Kansas City; Cernium, Inc, St. Louis; Colt Safety, Fire & Rescue, St. Louis; Clean Earth Technologies, St. Louis; HRI Enterprises, Inc., Buffalo; Medeco, Inc., Clayton; Production Products, St. Louis; and Sceptor Industries, Inc., Kansas City.

"These small firms represent a cross-section of America -- they are women-owned, minority-owned, and many hail from economically disadvantaged areas," Bond added. "It is my hope to help key leaders in government recognize the vast potential small business offers to achieve our national security goals."

Other key leaders participating in the event included: Michael Wynne, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology, and Administrator Hector Barreto, of the Small Business Administration.

About 200 small businesses from across the country were nominated for the Expo by members of Congress. Although limited space would not allow exhibits by all nominees, a directory of each company nominated will be published and distributed. It will provide a full overview, including product and contact details.