Small businesses are the backbone of America's economy, representing more than 99 percent of all employers, creating three-fourths of all new jobs and accounting for more than one-half of the nation's gross domestic product.

Sometimes you need government programs to commercialize some of these efforts.

However, we received so many outstanding applications that we are able to honor a broader segment of the small business community. The Small Business Blue Ribbon award enables us to recognize their hard work and tireless efforts.

If we don't buy a billion iPads, three-hundred million people will die of starvation. That's how the economy works.

In the near-term, there are economic concerns but overall we see continued improvements in the global economy.

The president is mindful of the fact that the fundamentals in this economy are strong and that's what matters most,