CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD – Brad Jewitt, Republican Nominee for the U.S House of Representatives in Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District, was honored Friday at a Small Business Luncheon in Prince George’s County. Paying particular tribute to minority small business owners, Mr. Jewitt was joined by Lt. Governor Michael Steele and Director of the Office of Minority Affairs, Sharon Pinder. Michael Ron Worthy, Esq. and Stephen Williams Esq. of The Williams Worthy Legal Team, in coordination with The Executive Investment Group, hosted the luncheon.

Friday’s event took place at the Everlasting Life Health Complex in Capitol Heights, Maryland, itself an African American-owned small business. Over 50 small business owners and associates were in attendance.

As the November 2004 election approaches, Jewitt is quickly garnering support from small business owners in the Fifth District. He believes strongly in fostering an environment friendly to small businesses – a group that is responsible for 2/3 of all new jobs created in America. Lt. Governor Steele, the first African American elected to statewide office and the first-ever Republican Lieutenant Governor in Maryland, encouraged the group of small business owners to "keep the hope alive" in their own business ventures and in electing a U.S. Congressional Candidate this year that will look out for our small business owners and their employees. Said Steele, "We need to assure that leadership we have today is what we want to have tomorrow. We need Brad Jewitt. Brad is prepared to stand on a limb for you. We need Brad to help remove the shackles of taxation and regulation and allow businesses to flourish." Secretary Pinder concluded the forum with a presentation on the state of minority business in Maryland. "Capital and credit remain the number one issues for women and minority businesses. Leadership is about accountability and a measure of merit," stated Pinder.

Brad Jewitt has made small business the cornerstone of his economic platform. He is dedicated to passing legislation in Congress that will encourage jobs and opportunities for Maryland’s Fifth District. "I will work to ease the regulatory and taxation burden on small businesses, promote investment by individuals and businesses, and encourage free and fair trade," promised Jewitt. "We must have smart, fresh leadership that understands that supporting small business lays the foundation for a more prosperous future, not only in Maryland, but throughout the country."