Final answer:
To be considered a small business for crediting purposes, Ronald Meese can employ a maximum of fewer than 100 workers at Meese Mining.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum number of employees that Ronald can employ at Meese Mining to be considered a small business for crediting purposes is fewer than 100 employees. This classification is based on the economic data showing that a significant portion of private sector workers are employed at businesses with fewer than 100 workers. These small-scale businesses are diverse and range from professional services such as dentists and lawyers to home-based services like lawn mowing or house cleaning. Furthermore, a substantial number of American firms, particularly small businesses, consist of so-called "non-employer" entities where income is derived directly from the business's profits rather than a salary.