WASHINGTON — President Bush met with members of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) at the White House, briefing them on public policy issues and thanking NAW for its support of his economic stimulus plan. His ability to "get things done," he said, was dependent in part on "friends like NAW."

The President met with the NAW delegation during the association's 2003 Annual Meeting in Washington.

Grady Rosier, chairman of the board of NAW and president/CEO of McLane Co., Temple, Texas, opened the White House program. "NAW is proud to have supported George W. Bush from the beginning of his campaign for the presidency," he said. "Mr. President, you have our strongest support in your policies both at home and abroad."

Emphasizing the need to stimulate the U.S. economy, with tax relief as a crucial component, President Bush said lowering income tax rates will benefit small business and thus the entire economy. "Most small businesses are sole proprietorships," he said, "and therefore they pay income tax." The president added, "The reduction of all income tax rates is ultimately fair."

Stephen Friedman, Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Director of the National Economic Council, elaborated on the details of the economic stimulus plan.

Following the White House meeting, Dirk Van Dongen, president of NAW, said, "Our members have been very energetic supporters of the president. We continue to back his economic agenda wholeheartedly. It was a privilege to have this opportunity to express our enthusiasm."

Publication date: 02/03/2003