[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 157 (Thursday, December 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION'S COLORADO DISTRICT 
 OFFICE AND THE LEADERSHIP OF DISTRICT DIRECTOR PATRICIA BARELA RIVERA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2005

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and 
congratulate the U.S. Small Business Administration's Colorado District 
Office, under the leadership of District Director Patricia Barela 
Rivera, for directing a record $520 million into Colorado's economy 
through its lending programs during 2005. The SBA approved 2,255 loan 
guarantees, a 20 percent increase over 2004, which is the highest 
number of loans ever approved in Colorado. This critical investment 
will help strengthen Colorado's economy and create jobs.
  Many women and minority-owned businesses are the beneficiaries of 
these SBA loans. Of the total number of loans, 1,010 worth $214.6 
million went to women and minority firms, and 188 loans worth $38.7 
million went to small businesses owned and operated by veterans. Access 
to capital is critical in starting and maintaining a business and these 
loans will ensure that women, minorities and veterans will be part of a 
robust economy and they will be able to live the American dream.
  In addition, I am also pleased at the level of outreach that the 
Colorado District Office has done in rural Colorado. A large portion of 
the loans distributed in 2005 went to small businesses in rural areas, 
which oftentimes are left out during good times and hurt even more when 
the economy takes a downturn. Every area of the state should be able to 
share in the success of our economy, and through the tireless efforts 
of the Colorado District Office staff many rural areas in the State are 
not being forgotten.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the steadfast leadership of 
SBA District Director Patricia Barela Rivera. Patricia understands that 
small businesses are the backbone of America's economy. She is one of 
the most talented public servants in Colorado who is always striving 
for excellence, always coming to the aid of those individuals in need, 
and always working to make our State a better place to live, work, and 
play. The SBA is lucky to have Patricia as its ambassador in Colorado. 
I salute her for her unswerving dedication and I know she and her staff 
will continue to make all of us proud.

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