REQUESTING THE DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS TO PRESENT TO THE APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE A PLAN FOR VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH IN NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, small businesses drive the nation's economy; and

WHEREAS, veterans of the nation's armed services, because of their professionalism, leadership and high technology skills, are ideally suited to start successful small businesses; and

WHEREAS, with the assistance of the national veterans business development corporation, the New Mexico veterans' service commission is identifying training and capital and affinity business potential for veteran entrepreneurs in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, the national veterans business development corporation was created by congress and has received federal funding to help veterans succeed as business owners;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the director of veterans' affairs be requested to present to the appropriate committee of the legislature a plan for veteran-owned small business growth in New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the director of veterans' affairs, the secretary of economic development and the governor.