Contact: White House, Office of the Press Secretary, 202-456-2580

ROGERS, Arkansas, Oct. 15 /Standard Newswire/ -- The following text is of remarks by President Bush to the travel pool:

Stribling Packaging Inc.

Rogers, Arkansas

10:44 A.M. CDT

THE PRESIDENT:  One of the reasons I've stopped by this facility here in Arkansas is to remind people that business is the backbone of our economy.  These good folks are making a living; more importantly, they're providing labor for people here in this facility.  And that's what we want.  We want people working in America.  We've gone through now 49 consecutive months of uninterrupted job growth -- that's a record for the United States. 

One of the reasons why is our small business owners are working hard.  Another reason why is we've got people in the United States Congress who understand the role of government, and that is not to get in the way of business, but it's to create an environment where business can flourish.  When people are buying this man's boxes, it also means they're buying product at the retail level. 

So I want to thank you for giving me a chance to come by.  Appreciate the opportunity to meet your workers.  As I was walking around, I was shaking the workers' hands.  He said, that's good that you're meeting them -- after all, they're the reason this business is growing.  And I appreciate a man who understands that.  Thanks for your hospitality.

Thank you.  

 END 10:46 A.M. CDT