[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 51 (Wednesday, April 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS IN SOUTH DAKOTA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN R. THUNE

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 14, 1999

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 24,000 
women business owners in South Dakota. Within the last decade, the 
number of women-owned businesses in South Dakota has grown by over 65%, 
and their annual revenue has increased by 237%. In fact, women owned 
firms currently account for 35% of all South Dakota firms, and generate 
over 14% of the state's business sales.
  Additionally, I would like to recognize one of South Dakotas most 
prominent women's business advocates, Dr. Sandra Christenson. Dr. 
Christenson is the president of Heartland Paper Company in Sioux Falls, 
South Dakota. Heartland Paper Company is a family owned wholesaler of 
printing paper, packaging supplies, food service disposables, 
maintenance supplies, dilution control systems, and janitorial 
equipment. First founded in 1908, Christenson assumed the presidency of 
Heartland Paper Company in 1989.
  Born and raised in Sioux Falls, Dr. Christenson is currently a member 
of the National Women's Business Council, the Congressional advisory 
panel that works with Congress and the President to promote the growth 
of women owned businesses. Dr. Christenson has been a prominent member 
of the South Dakota business community for 20 years. She has also been 
an active member of her industry and community serving on the advisory 
boards of the National School Supply Association, the National Paper 
Trades Association, the United Way, and South Dakotans for the Arts.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I believe that women-owned businesses have 
played an integral role in the economic well being of South Dakota and 
the nation. As such, I strongly encourage my colleagues to actively 
support the women business owners in their districts.

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