ALEXANDRIA, Va. — NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson recently applauded the credit union industry's role in helping small businesses in celebration of National Small Business week. "I commend America's credit unions for playing such a vital role in strengthening the economy by helping small businesses across America, and as your regulator, I am committed to working together with you to build upon this success," Johnson said. Johnson said by offering vital products and services, including loan programs available through the U.S. Small Business Administration, "credit unions are serving as a reliable financial partner to America's promising entrepreneurs." She also said under President Bush's leadership, "small businesses are thriving, and in doing so, are providing jobs for nearly one half of America's workforce and creating almost two thirds of all new jobs." Johnson encouraged CUs to consider offering health savings accounts to small business owners citing the U.S. Department of Treasury's Web site as a resource http://www.treas.gov/offices/public-affairs/hsa.

National Small Business week took the week of April 23. The SBA recognized several small business owners and lenders for their contributions.