Gil Kerlikowske, (center) director of National Drug Control Policy, with Alexandria Chamber of Commerce CEO John Long and Mayor Bill Euille during a visit to Del Ray's Holy Cow restaurant Nov. 30 as part of Small Business Saturday. Photo by Maria Ciarrocchi
White House Drug Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske paid a visit to Del Ray's Holy Cow restaurant Nov. 30 as part of President Barack Obama's initiative to support “Small Business Saturday.”
“I am particularly excited to visit to Holy Cow today,” Kerlikowske said. “This is a business that gives back to its community by supporting organizations that provide drug prevention and treatment services in Northern Virginia.”
Named the 2013 Small Business of the Year by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Holy Cow was signaled out for the visit because of its support of local charities: For each burger sold, the restaurant donates $.25 to a variety of local nonprofit organizations through ACT for Alexandria.
Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years and employ over half of all private sector employees.
“Small businesses are the foundation of our economy,” Kerlikowske said. “Half of America's workers either own or work for a small business. Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to show our support for our friends and neighbors who throughout the year are growing our local economy and strengthening our communities.”