[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 74 (Monday, May 5, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E384-E385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING McKEE FOODS, A WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS

                                 ______
                                 

                 HON. CHARLES J. ``CHUCK'' FLEISCHMANN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 5, 2025

  Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of women 
entrepreneurs and to recognize the impact of women-owned businesses in 
the Third District of Tennessee and our communities nationwide.
  Like many communities across the United States, East Tennessee is 
home to many women- and family-owned businesses, critical local 
employers supporting generations of employees, and local charitable 
efforts, including our schools and youth sports teams.
  Women-owned businesses are important drivers of our local economy, 
employing millions of Americans nationwide and accounting for trillions 
of dollars in revenue annually. Women-owned businesses also include 
businesses of all sizes and industries, including in the healthcare, 
professional services, retail, real estate, and construction 
industries.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud that one such business--McKee Foods 
Corporation--is located in my district in Collegedale, Tennessee. McKee 
Foods, better known as the makers of Little Debbie Snack Cakes, was 
founded by O.D. and Ruth McKee in Tennessee nearly 100 years ago and 
today is a fourth-generation family business employing thousands of 
employees nationwide.
  In March, during Women's History Month, I had the pleasure of meeting 
with Debbie McKee-Fowler, Chairman of the Board for McKee Foods, and 
representatives from several women-owned and family businesses here in 
Washington. These women-owned businesses were on Capitol Hill as part 
of an event with Family Enterprise USA and members of the Congressional 
Family Business Caucus to share the stories of their businesses and 
educate Congress on challenges in starting and growing their 
businesses, including how government policies like the Death Tax 
prevent business owners from passing down their legacy to the next 
generation.
  As Congress continues its important work of advancing policies that 
grow our economy, unleash American innovation, and increase 
opportunity, it is vital that we continue to listen to and support 
these women-owned businesses, including through legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise in support and celebration of these 
and other women-owned businesses.

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