President George W. Bush, during a recent visit to Wright Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer of lawn maintenance equipment, did more than talk about the need for an economic growth package. He also recognized the entrepreneurial efforts of the company's founder and president, Bill Wright. In his opening remarks, the President stated, "This man started his own business. He's a manufacturer, he employs over 100 people, and he represents the backbone of our economy."
Wright Manufacturing has been a pioneer in the lawn maintenance industry since introducing the first all-steel grass catcher more than 20 years ago. More recently, it has revolutionized the industry with the introduction of the stand-on mowers. Over the last two decades, Wright's engineering teams have received more than 40
According to Bill Wright, "It was an honor to be chosen by the White House for this special event. Everyone from our engineers and salespeople to our manufacturing team has worked hard to build an ethical, innovative and customer-focused company. Their dedicated efforts are the reason why we were selected."
While touring the Wright facility, the President took the time to meet every employee. Wright chief operating officer Shawn Wolf said, "The President let us know right away that he wanted to meet our people and learn about our business. He showed genuine interest in everyone he met. While stopping in front of the company's plasma/punch steel cutting machine, Bill Wright explained that the company was able to purchase the machine in part because of a 2001 tax relief package. The purchase allowed the company to build prototypes in house and drastically improved the efficiency of production."
Bush ended the tour by riding Wright's popular stand-on mower, the Stander. From the platform of the Stander, the President spoke to the press about the need for an economic growth package. In a final nod to Wright, he said, "I love people who have a dream and work hard to achieve it."
