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Keeping business afloat

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 15, 2009

In 2004 I had a medical problem, and that year my business lost $180,000. The following year we lost $150,000. During 2004 and 2005, I made many wrong decisions. They were brought on because of a stroke.

I supported the business with my own money in 2004, and the next year I borrowed $150,000 to keep the business open. The company has eight employees; it was my wish to keep the people working. We are still in business and plan to continue for many years.

I did not ask the government or anyone else to bail me out.

I do not take any money out of the business, and I won't until we pay off this loan. If a small company like ours can pull itself out of the hole, why can't the big-money companies do the same? If a business cannot be managed properly, it should fail. If businesses cannot stand on their own feet, then why should they be bailed out?

LARRY L. SMITH

Clearwater

The writer is president of Southport Construction Corp.

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