Georgia small business owner joins Trump on stage to thank President for permanent, 100% business expensing

On Thursday Feb. 19 in Rome, Georgia, a small business owner explained the benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as the Working Families Tax Cut.

Among the long list of tax cuts enacted by congressional Republicans and President Trump, one of the most potent is the permanent, 100% expensing provisions allowing Americans to immediately deduct the cost of equipment purchases. Americans for Tax Reform has been collecting expensing testimonials here.

Kirk Cowan, owner of general store GMC Value Mart, joined President Trump on stage and said:

“Good afternoon, Rome, Georgia. My name is Kirk Cowan and my family and I are proud to call this community home. I’m the owner of GMC Value Mart, a family-owned pharmacy and grocery combo my parents started back in 1971. If you’ve ever shopped at GMC. You know we’re not a big chain supermarket, we have fresh meats cut in house.

We know our customers by name and we work hard every day to keep prices fair for families. But running a small business isn’t easy. Between fluctuating food costs, regulations and pharmacy reimbursement rates that don’t always reflect what we pay, it can feel like the deck is stacked against you. That’s why policies that support small businesses really matter.

Under President Trump’s leadership, Section 179 limits have increased and permanent 100 percent bonus depreciation incentives make a huge difference. They allow us — Thank you. Allow us to reinvest in equipment, which doesn’t just help owners. It helps keep prices down, keep people employed and keep serving our neighbors.

For us that means upgrading our pharmacy to stay competitive and continuing to support local schools and community events. It means GMC Value Mart can stay right where it belongs right here in Rome, Georgia. I’m grateful to have a president who understands small businesses are the backbone of a town like ours.

Thank you, Mr. President for standing with local businesses. It truly keeps places like ours alive.”

The event took place at Coosa Steel Corporation.

Trump said:

“To help businesses like this one expand production in the United States, we provided 100 percent expensing and bonus depreciation for all new equipment and capital investments, like that crane that you see back there. And it’s all part of the Great Big, Beautiful Bill.”