[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 25 (Thursday, February 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LOUISIANA SBDC 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2008

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 25th 
Anniversary of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center 
(Louisiana SBDC).
  For over a quarter century, the Louisiana SBDC, a network of nine 
service centers operating in Louisiana, has provided communities 
throughout the state with the means to launch new businesses and 
maintain successful existing businesses through offering consulting, 
business education classes, information resources and other specialized 
services.
  Just in the last six years, the Louisiana SBDC has counseled over 
25,000 entrepreneurs, created nearly 7,000 new jobs, and has assisted 
small businesses in securing nearly $359 million dollars in financing. 
Initiatives such as the Louisiana SBDC with its track record of success 
are just what our nation needs during this time of decline in our 
economy. This work is made possible through the Louisiana SBDC's 
partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana 
Economic Development, participating universities and economic 
development agencies.
  With the help of federal funding, The University of Louisiana at 
Monroe's College of Business in partnership with the Louisiana SBDC, is 
poised to develop the Northeast Louisiana Business and Community 
Development Center. This allows the Louisiana SBDC to continue its 
mission in Northeast Louisiana and provide for greater opportunity for 
rural businesses. This center will be a source of entrepreneurship 
expertise for rural communities in this area, and I expect great things 
for Louisiana's 5th Congressional District's economy to emerge from the 
efforts of this center.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 25th 
Anniversary of the LSBDC as it continues its commitment to empowering 
local citizens to reach their goals of establishing successful new 
businesses, which create not only a stronger Louisiana but a stronger 
national economy.

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