[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 28 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE WOMEN'S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

  Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, I want to take a moment to 
recognize the achievements of the Women's Business Development Center 
[WBDC]. Today, they are celebrating their 10th anniversary, and I truly 
wish I were able to join their celebration in person.
  Currently, there are over 8 million women-owned businesses in the 
United States, generating $2.3 trillion in sales. In my home state of 
Illinois alone, there are over 350,000 women business owners. Women 
business owners across the country employ one of every four U.S. 
company workers, and women in business are contributing to economic 
growth both at home and abroad. The story of women in business is one 
of unqualified success, and that success is thanks in no small part to 
organizations like the Women's Business Development Center.
  For the past decade, the WBDC has dedicated itself to providing 
services and programs that support and accelerate women's business 
ownership and strengthen the impact of women on the economy. Founded in 
1986 by Carol Dougal and Hedy Ratner, the WBDC is currently active in 
six States--Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Massachusetts, and 
Pennsylvania, and has served over 30,000 women business owners. The 
highly successful programs and services of the WBDC are many in number, 
including counseling, workshops, entrepreneurial training, the women's 
business finance programs, the women's business enterprise initiative, 
the entrepreneurial women's conference and women's business and buyer's 
mart.
  I wish to commend the WBDC for their vital role in the growing 
economic impact of women business owners on our Nation's economy. I am 
proud that the WBDC was founded in Illinois, and that the effects of 
their good works are felt far beyond the borders of my State.

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