[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE U.S. WOMEN'S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 5, 2011

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the U.S. Women's 
Chamber of Commerce, an organization that has been vital to fostering 
entrepreneurship among females. Today, the number of women-owned 
businesses is growing at a rate double of all other firms. In 2007, 
women owned 7.8 million businesses and accounted for 28.7 percent of 
all businesses nationwide, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Survey 
of Business Owners. These firms generated $1.2 trillion in receipts, 
about 3.9 percent of all business receipts nationwide.
  As this dynamic sector continues to evolve, it is vital women have a 
strong voice representing them and the Women's Chamber of Commerce has 
been a stalwart champion for female entrepreneurs.
  Founded ten years ago, the Women's Chamber is the only national 
organization of its kind, working with over 500,000 members to 
eliminate barriers to female entrepreneurship. Throughout its history, 
the Chamber has secured a series of key victories that have helped 
small firms owned by women flourish and grow. In 2005, the U.S. Women's 
Chamber of Commerce won a lawsuit against the government for failing to 
implement the ``Women's Procurement Program,'' an initiative helping 
female entrepreneurs secure federal contracts. The Women's Chamber has 
also fought to expand access to capital among female entrepreneurs, 
which is often a key impediment to women seeking to launch a new 
venture.
  Beyond its work advocating for female entrepreneurs, the Women's 
Chamber has helped to promote career advancement for women and protect 
the rights of female employees. The Chamber was a strong advocate for 
the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and has stalwartly fought for female 
advancement in the workplace.
   Mr. Speaker, this week the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce 
celebrates ten years of service to American female entrepreneurs. As 
our economy continues to evolve, we can expect female entrepreneurship 
will only further blossom and play a greater role in American commerce. 
As that happens, the U.S. Women's Chamber will continue its role as a 
strong advocate for women-owned businesses and female employees.

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