[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 162 (Tuesday, November 16, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2393-E2394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING VIRGINIA'S MINORITY-OWNED INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY FIRMS 
        NAMED AMONG THE 100 LARGEST BY BLACK ENTERPRISE MAGAZINE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 1999

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my 
colleagues from Virginia in commending the work of a group of 
Virginia's most innovative companies. Included in Black Enterprise 
Magazine's list of the 100 largest minority-owned companies are 13 
information and technology firms. Nine of the 13 call Virginia home. 
These businesses represent the very best of the Information Age true 
superstars in the information technology arena that is helping to fuel 
the economy in my home state of Virginia and across the entire nation.
  These nine enterprises are fostering the emergence of an exciting new 
market for African American entrepreneurs. At the top of the IT 
industry, Universal System Technology Inc. (UNITECH); Digital Systems 
International Corp; SENTEL; Innovative Logistics Techniques, Inc.; 
Advanced Resource Technologies, Inc.; Houston Associates, Inc., and 
Armstrong Data Service, Inc. (ADS) are transforming Northern Virginia 
into one of the world's leading technology hubs.
  It is not by chance that African-American-owned businesses are 
finding their success stories in Northern Virginia. Our region's 
concentration of fine colleges and universities provides a vast pool of 
potential employees. Emerging businesses may also choose from a large 
number of former government employees seeking high-tech jobs in the 
private sector. Furthermore, close proximity to our nation's political 
center renders opportunities for government contracting and access to 
key decision-makers.
  The area also boasts a plethora of organizations that provide 
resources to emerging businesses. The Northern Virginia Technology 
Council hosts networking sessions, helping young companies build 
relationships with large, established IT firms. The Fairfax County 
Economic Development Authority and the Center for Innovative Technology 
provide technical, financial and business assistance.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to send my sincere congratulations to 
the African-American entrepreneurs who are using Northern Virginia's 
existing resources well, while creating jobs and contributing to the 
area's supportive community and excellent quality of life. We celebrate 
their entrepreneurial spirit, we honor their commitment to the state of 
Virginia and applaud their vital role in the information and technology 
industry.

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