[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 24 (Tuesday, March 10, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H918-H919]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

  (Ms. DeGETTE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of women's history 
month to recognize the achievements of business women in my community 
and across the country. In my State of Colorado, women have had a 
dramatic impact on the economy. There are over 160,000 women-owned 
businesses in my State, which account for 40 percent of all firms in 
Colorado. Women employ over 350,000 people in Colorado and were 
responsible for generating $39 billion in sales in 1996.
  While many of the businesses owned by Colorado women are traditional, 
such as service and retail, the greatest

[[Page H919]]

increase in women-owned firms has been in industries like 
transportation, communications, construction, and mining. Women are 
making significant contributions to the economy in Colorado and across 
the country. I am pleased to recognize not only the advancements made 
by women in business, but also the vital role they play as employers 
and investors in today's economy.
  Despite challenges and initial setbacks, women-owned businesses are 
at the forefront of many new and innovative ideas.

                          ____________________