EAST PEORIA, Ill. – On the eve of giving his State of the Economy address in New York City, Bush chose Caterpillar, Inc. as a company that exemplifies the American pioneering spirit, able to expand worldwide while keeping jobs back home.

The president, who appeared at Caterpillar’s headquarters in East Peoria today, said he is “impressed by a culture of excellence and accomplishment that is the spirit of Caterpillar.”

Flanked by a pair of bulldozers, President Bush spoke to a hand-picked group of workers, whose diversity showed in the spattering of suits among hardhats and safety glasses.

Bush, standing under a banner that read, “Working for America,” said he was glad to be in the heartland of America, at a company that reflects the American enterprising spirit.

The American economy is strong because inflation is down, interests rates are down, wages are on the increase, and unemployment is down nationally, Bush said.

“The question facing the country is ‘what are we going to do to make sure it’s strong tomorrow?'”

The president reiterated a point he made during his January 23 State of the Union address, stating that what America needs is “not more government but more enterprise.”

“Caterpillar takes care of us,” said Roy Prokesh, Quality Inspector at Caterpillar. He said that he is pleased with Cat’s initiative in global development. The tractor business is bound to boom due to developing nations’ need for building equipment, such as the bulldozers and tractors Caterpillar manufactures.

“It’s a once in a lifetime experience; its not every day that you get to see the President of the United States,” said Ronald Gamble, Caterpillar team member for over ten years.

Gamble said he hoped the president “does something to keep jobs in the community, in the middle class not just in Peoria but across the country.”

Prior to his speech, the President toured the facilities and drove a bulldozer. Jim Owens, CEO Of Caterpillar, said he commended the president for bringing the country into its greatest period of economic growth since World War II.

Angie Mallin of Butler Technics said Bush seemed very relaxed and a “people person,” and she was very honored to shake his hand.