[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 12, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H2348-H2349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

  (Mr. COHEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to applaud the Minority 
Business Development Agency on its 45th anniversary.
  The Minority Business Development Agency was established by executive 
order on March 5, 1969, and has worked to promote the growth and global 
competitiveness of a critical segment of

[[Page H2349]]

the U.S. economy, the minority business community. Through their 
nationwide network of MBDA Business Centers, the MBDA has helped 
minority firms access contracts, capital, and enter market 
opportunities, both domestic and global.
  Over the last 5 years specifically, this assistance has provided 
minority firms access to nearly $20 billion in contracts and capital. I 
thank the MBDA for all it has accomplished over the last 45 years, 
especially the work at the Memphis MBDA Business Center in Tennessee 
Nine, my congressional district in Memphis, Tennessee.
  In the coming years, the growth of America's workforce will come from 
minorities, and we need strong minority businesses to achieve maximum 
economic growth. I am certain the MBDA will lead the Nation to 
achieving our full potential.

                          ____________________