HERRIN – In recognition of Small Business Week, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost will be conducting a small business tour in Herrin Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bost will visit three local job creators – Bryan Furniture, Asbury Jewelry by Design and Cakes By Alley – to learn more about their business and discuss how the federal government can do more to empower small businesses to thrive.

Bost says small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and as a former small business owner himself, he understands the challenges local job creators face when trying to build their brand and serve their community. As Bost marks Small Business Week, he wants to take this opportunity to shine the spotlight on southern Illinoisans who are helping grow their local economy and put people to work.