[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 77 (Tuesday, May 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        COMMENDING CHANDRA BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KURT SCHRADER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2009

  Mr. SCHRADER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor America's 
entrepreneurs, those distinguished individuals who support our 
communities, drive innovation, and keep our nation strong. Small 
businesses bring fresh ideas to the table, develop the resources to 
meet the demands of an ever-changing world, and make a meaningful 
impact on our neighborhoods. Entrepreneurs are responsible for 
providing 60 to 80 percent of all new jobs, giving them the potential 
to propel rapid economic growth and expand ever-developing fields. Some 
of the country's largest companies began as start-ups in small offices, 
homes and garages exploring these new fields. Limited only by their 
imagination, these firms performed cutting-edge work in emerging 
industries that have become the very foundation of our society.
  As our nation and the world face the most difficult economic 
conditions in decades, entrepreneurs have the potential to lead us back 
to prosperity. The resiliency and adaptability shown by small 
businesses in past recessions demonstrate their capability to meet the 
challenges standing in their way and emerge stronger than ever. 
America's small businesses will drive the economic recovery from this 
downturn and our economy will emerge stronger than ever. Times may be 
tough, but America's entrepreneurial spirit is tougher.
  To recognize the monumental achievements of our nation's small firms, 
the Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared May 17-23 as the 
46th Annual National Small Business Week. The House Small Business 
Committee is celebrating all our country's hard-working entrepreneurs 
by saluting the Heroes of Small Business, those men and women who have 
shown the strength, leadership, and resourcefulness that keeps our 
economy moving forward.
  I ask that you, Madam Speaker, and the entire U.S. House of 
Representatives join me in recognizing and thanking Ms. Chandra Brown 
for her tremendous accomplishments on behalf of small businesses. Ms. 
Brown currently serves as president of Oregon Iron Works' subsidiary 
United Streetcar, the only modern streetcar manufacturer in the United 
States. With over 15 years of experience with Oregon Iron Works, she is 
responsible for overall business development and marketing as the 
company's vice president.
  Recognized by Oregon's economic community as one the state's top 
business leaders, Ms. Brown was named to the Oregon Innovation Council 
in 2005 by Governor Ted Kulongoski. She sits on numerous non-profit 
boards, including serving as Vice Chair of the Oregon Wave Energy 
Trust, which promotes job creation through the emerging wave energy 
industry. Ms. Brown has a bachelor's degree in marketing and an M.B.A. 
in international marketing from Miami University.
  Madam Speaker, Ms. Brown has exemplified the remarkable 
accomplishments of which America's entrepreneurs are capable. This 
week, she will testify before the House Small Business Committee to 
share her story. I ask that you and the entire U.S. House of 
Representatives join with me in honoring her for the extraordinary work 
she has done for the small business economy. Her efforts demonstrate 
that if given the right resources, America's small businesses can be 
the catalysts that lift our economy from the current downturn and put 
us on the road to recovery.

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