[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 175 (Tuesday, October 24, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO OPTUS BANK

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                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2023

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to pay tribute to 
a distinguished South Carolina bank for its unwavering commitment to 
advancing minority-owned businesses. Optus Bank of Columbia, South 
Carolina was recently awarded the Minority Business Development Agency 
(MBDA) 2023 Robert J. Brown Minority Business Enterprise of the Year 
Award. Their steadfast support of businesses in distressed areas has 
uplifted communities and the lives of many.
  To recognize the important role of entrepreneurs and institutions in 
advancing minority-owned businesses, the Minority Business Development 
Agency at the United States Department of Commerce established Minority 
Enterprise Development Week in 1983. Since then, the Department of 
Commerce has commenced numerous awards to celebrate the outstanding 
achievements of minority entrepreneurs. The Robert J. Brown Minority 
Business Enterprise Award recognizes companies that have exceeded 
industry standards and achieved phenomenal financial success while 
showing a commitment to social responsibility and strong community 
involvement. The award is among the highest levels of recognition that 
a U.S. minority business enterprise can receive from the U.S. 
Department of Commerce.
  Optus Bank was selected because of its commitment to closing the 
racial wealth gap, exacerbated by systemic disparities in the financial 
industry. Following in the footsteps of Victory Savings Bank, the first 
Black-owned bank in South Carolina, Optus is committed to providing 
access to capital to individuals and businesses excluded from the 
banking system. By turning deposits from community members into loans 
that serve local businesses, Optus provides funding for enterprises 
that may not be approved for traditional loans. Their unique community 
driven mission has allowed them to achieve great success while helping 
scores of minority-owned enterprises succeed in South Carolina.
  Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in 
celebrating Optus Bank and their unwavering commitment to serving 
communities and people in need. Their actions should serve as an 
example to other organizations dedicated to positively impacting the 
communities they operate in. South Carolina is more prosperous because 
of the efforts of Optus Bank and I wish them continued success.

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