[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  WOMEN'S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the Women's 
Business Development Center for the vital role it has played in 
accelerating women's business ownership and strengthening the impact 
that women have made on our economy.
  The Women's Business Development Center is a nationally-recognized 
not-for-profit center devoted to providing services and programs that 
support and increase women's business ownership. Founded in 1986, more 
than 30,000 business owners in six States, including my home State of 
Illinois, have benefited from the program. The services range from 
counseling to workshops to entrepreneurial training.
  Today, thanks to efforts by organizations such as the Women's 
Business Development Center, there are over 7.7 million women-owned 
businesses in the United States, generating $2.3 trillion in sales. 
Women business owners now employ one in every four U.S. company 
workers. There is no doubt that women in business today are playing a 
prominent role in stimulating economic growth both at home and abroad.
  On September 12 of this year the Women's Business Development Center 
will celebrate its 11th anniversary. As the Center moves into its 
second decade of service to women business owners, I am proud to 
recognize its impressive achievements.

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