[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 73 (Friday, May 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO DEBRA SILLIK

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 3, 2007

  Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Debra Sillik, 
President of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Nevada, for 
giving a voice to minority small businesses.
  Debra Sillik began her journey as President of the American Indian 
Chamber of Commerce of Nevada just 7 months ago. Over this time, she 
has made a major impact. Debra has helped give the 9,556 American 
Indians and Alaska Natives a voice in Nevada. She has provided them 
with employment and educational opportunities. American Indian 
businesses have grown 56 percent in the Nevada area. In 1997 when this 
organization started, they only had 1,231 businesses where as of 2002, 
they have 1,915 American Indian and Alaska Native-owed businesses. She 
also began offering education workshops as well as scholarship 
opportunities. Debra holds monthly networking meetings, educations 
luncheons, job fairs, and awards banquet, and a Native American trade 
show. Debra has worked hard to put together a board and has increased 
the number of members participating. Debra's most recent achievement 
includes being honored as the Minority Small Business Champion of the 
Year. Through her dedication and service, she has helped create 
business opportunities for the Native American population in Nevada.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Debra Sillik for her dedication to 
helping American Indians thrive in Nevada. I congratulate her for her 
recent recognition by the Nevada District Office of the U.S. Small 
Business Administration and wish her the continued success.

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