[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 31, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE DEDICATED SERVICE OF HEDY RATNER AND CAROL DOUGAL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 31, 2013

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Hedy 
Ratner and Carol Dougal, the founders of Women's Business Development 
Center (WBDC), for their exemplary leadership in supporting women's 
entrepreneurship. As Hedy and Carol step down from their role as co-
presidents of the WBDC, let us recognize the work that these two 
remarkable women have done for more than 25 years to empower other 
women to start, improve and expand their small businesses.
  In 1986, Hedy Ratner and Carol Dougal created the Women's Business 
Development Center to address the lack of support for women in the 
business world. Since then, Hedy and Carol have worked tirelessly to 
accelerate the growth of women-owned businesses and microenterprise 
ownership, increase the economic impact of women business owners on 
families and communities, build awareness of business ownership as a 
path to economic self-sufficiency, and help stimulate policy and system 
changes to empower women in the economy. Today, the positive impact of 
the WBDC is clear, and the Center continues to be a leader in expanding 
opportunities for women.
  Over the years, the WBDC has helped more than 66,000 women in the 
greater Chicago area in their entrepreneurial efforts. Its success has 
spurred the creation of 14 other centers in 6 states. The oldest and 
largest women's business assistance center in the country, the WBDC is 
constantly developing and implementing new approaches to help potential 
and current women business owners. The Center and its outstanding staff 
give women the tools, the needed support and the confidence to know 
that they can become successful entrepreneurs.
  Hedy and Carol are recognized leaders who have advised business 
groups and public officials at all levels about ways to help women 
improve their families' well-being and our nation by creating new 
business opportunities. I am one of many who have been fortunate enough 
to receive their advice on ways to improve federal contracting and 
lending policies and to learn about the barriers that must be torn down 
so that more women can enter the realm of business ownership.
  I congratulate Hedy and Carol on the extraordinary contributions they 
have made through the Women's Business Development Center. Although 
they are leaving their posts as co-presidents of WBDC, I know that they 
will remain leaders in advocating for women-owned businesses in Chicago 
and nationwide. I look forward to watching their next steps toward 
helping women business owners successfully achieve economic 
independence through entrepreneurship.

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