[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 215 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 215

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                    September 15, 2009.
Whereas the success of minority businesses is a critical component of a robust 
        economy in the United States;
Whereas minority businesses employ 4,700,000 people, benefit minority 
        communities, and contribute to local, State, and national economies;
Whereas minority businesses are twice as likely to generate revenues through 
        exports compared to nonminority businesses due to their language 
        capabilities, cultural competencies, ancestral ties, and business 
        agility;
Whereas in 1969, there were only 322,000 minority businesses with 
        $11,000,000,000 in gross receipts and the number of minority businesses 
        continues to grow, currently estimated at more than 4,000,000 with 
        $661,000,000,000 in gross receipts;
Whereas minority groups represent 26.1 percent of the population, but own only 
        11.6 percent of the Nation's businesses and receive only 6.2 percent of 
        total sales;
Whereas the Minority Business Development Agency was established by Executive 
        Order No. 11458 on March 5, 1969;
Whereas the Minority Business Development Agency has operated for the last 40 
        years as the only Federal agency created specifically to serve minority 
        entrepreneurs;
Whereas the Minority Business Development Agency operates a network of business 
        development centers throughout the United States to assist with the 
        start-up, expansion, and development of minority businesses;
Whereas the Minority Business Development Agency supports the Gulf Coast 
        Recovery through its five centers located in Louisiana, Alabama, and 
        Mississippi;
Whereas in fiscal year 2008, the Minority Business Development Agency assisted 
        more than 25,000 minority businesses producing over $1,000,000,000 in 
        contracts and over $1,100,000,000 in financial packages, which 
        contributed in excess of 5,300 new jobs created for its clients;
Whereas since 1969, the Minority Business Development Agency has served more 
        than 625,000 minority businesses and assisted in securing more than 
        $25,000,000,000 in loans and bonding; and
Whereas the Minority Business Development Agency's long-term strategic direction 
        is achieving entrepreneurial parity so that minority business 
        enterprises are in proportion to the minority population: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) congratulates the Minority Business Development Agency on its 
        40th anniversary;
            (2) commends the Minority Business Development Agency for its 
        achievements in fostering the establishment and growth of minority 
        businesses; and
            (3) encourages the Minority Business Development Agency to continue 
        its efforts to assist minority businesses as such enterprises continue 
        to strengthen communities, create jobs, and contribute to the health of 
        the economy in the United States.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.