[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 59 (Friday, May 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           CONGRATULATING SBC

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                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2002

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that these are challenging 
times for our nation's economy. All of us are looking for solutions. 
And many of those solutions will come from America's small businesses, 
whose ability to grow and prosper is crucial for today's commerce.
  Today, I would like to recognize a company, which does business in my 
district and many other congressional districts, for its role in 
helping small businesses--and, in particular, diverse businesses.
  That company is SBC Communications, which earlier this month [May 7] 
received a Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership. This presidential 
award, named for the late Commerce Secretary, is presented to companies 
that have demonstrated a deep commitment to initiatives that empower 
employees and communities.
  SBC was honored specifically for its excellence in promoting economic 
development through supplier diversity. Last year, the company spent 
23.5 percent of its $12 billion procurement budget with businesses 
owned by women, minorities or disabled veterans. At the award ceremony, 
Commerce Secretary Don Evans praised SBC for its program and noted, 
correctly I think, that SBC ``has set the standard for supplier 
diversity.''
  Beyond the immediate economic benefit for small and diverse 
companies, SBC's diversity program also ensures that these firms learn 
how to compete in a high-tech world. SBC doesn't just place orders with 
diverse companies--it actually recruits and trains them, offers special 
loan programs and makes available educational opportunities.
  SBC wins from this commitment by broadening its supplier base and 
making sure that it is reaching out to all segments of society. 
Smaller, independent companies, especially those firms owned by women 
and minorities, win by gaining improved access to the world of big 
business. This is good for SBC, good for economic vitality and 
diversity, and good for America.
  I congratulate SBC on this much-deserved award.

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