Obama's speech focuses on jobs, economy

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The motorcade ride came to a stop on Buffalo's east side, where a burgeoning green business drew the President's attention.

President Obama gave a brief speech to invited guests inside Industrial Support, Inc. His theme: small business can power new jobs for America and the economic free fall has stopped.

President Obama said, "I want to say to Buffalo, to all of you, I want to say to Amercia. We can say beyond a shadow of a doubt we are headed in the right direction."

>>>You can read the transcript and watch the entire speech here

The President spoke after an extended tour of the plant, which makes a wide range of products, including a hovercraft.

Plant owner Dave Sullivan called the experience of hosting the President fantastic.

Sullivan said, "We worked real hard and everybody's been good with us, the White House staff. It's been a really nice experience."

Employee Michael Nassucci said, "I think he chose us because we're very diversified in the work we do and the people here are just amazing."

Employee James Vance said, "Well, you can take one person from one department and put them in another department and they know exactly what to do because we were trained that way."

The President took a handful of questions and touched on a wide range of issues from health care, to transportation, to the economy.

Rep. Louise Slaughter said, "I'm really keen on bringing manufacturing back. I'm a person who believes you are not a super power is you don't make anything."

Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster said, "I thought he touched a lot of the bases that people who are interested in job growth wanted to hear him touch."

The President made a strong personal impression on many who were close enough to ask questions and shake his hand.

Canisius College student Leigh Giangreco said, "Just to get, like, eye contact from him and to acknowledge me, it was really thrilling. It was great."

>>>You can watch the full question and answer session here

Sue Hyjek said, "It was unbelievable, an unbelievable experience. I never thought it would ever happen to me."

Could it happen again? One of the people instrumental in bringing the President to the queen city says he's working on it.

Rep. Brian Higgins said, "I'm one of many who urged him to come here, but I want him to come back and see more of Buffalo and western New York and I'm confident that he will."