[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 67 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S5463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 12TH ANNUAL ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMAN'S CONFERENCE

 Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, it is my distinct honor to 
recognize an organization from my home state of Illinois that has been 
an invaluable resource for and promoter of women-owned small 
businesses. I am speaking of the Women's Business Development Center, 
who will hold their 12th annual Entrepreneurial Woman's Conference on 
September 9, 1998 in Chicago.
  Since 1986, the WBDC, a nationally-recognized nonprofit women's 
business assistance center, has assisted more than 30,000 women 
business owners in establishing and expanding small businesses 
throughout our country. The Women's Business and Finance Program, the 
Women's Business Enterprise Initiative, the Entrepreneurial Woman's 
Conference and the Women's Business and Buyers Mart are a few of the 
many programs and services of the WBDC that support female small 
business ownership and help to strengthen the entire U.S. economy.
  As the first permanent female member of the Senate Finance Committee, 
I know firsthand of the obstacles faced by women when attempting to 
establish a foothold in the world of commerce. The WBDC and its two 
founders, Hedy Ratner and Carol Dougal, have made great progress 
towards tearing down these obstacles.
  Today, women-owned small businesses are an integral part of the 
current success of the American economy. Currently, there are over 7.7 
million women-owned businesses in the United States, generating $2.3 
trillion in sales. In Illinois, there are over 250,000 women-owned 
businesses. These businesses mean more jobs for American workers. In 
fact, women business owners employ one of every four U.S. company 
workers. Certainly, some of this success is due in part to the programs 
and services offered by the WBDC in Illinois and similar programs in 
Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Despite this 
success, there is still more to be done. I am confident that with help 
from organizations such as the WBDC, the number of women entrepreneurs 
will continue to rise.
  The Woman's Entrepreneurial Conference is the centerpiece of the 
WBDC's activities. The Conference provides women business owners with 
the opportunity to network, attend informative panel discussions, and 
pursue business opportunities in an environment that is supportive of 
the needs of female small business owners. It is my pleasure to welcome 
the conferees to Chicago, and to congratulate the WBDC for their work 
and dedication to increasing female ownership in the American 
marketplace.

                          ____________________