[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11525]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                     ``NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
America's small businesses--the backbone of our nation's vibrant 
economy. As my colleagues may know, this week is recognized as 
``National Small Business Week.''
  As a former small businessman, I believe small businesses have always 
been one of the leading providers of jobs throughout our communities. 
Today, there are over 24 million small businesses that serve as the 
principal source of new jobs, employing more than 52 percent of the 
private workforce.
  In particular, I am very proud of the tremendous growth in women-
owned businesses over the last several years. According to the National 
Foundation for Women Business Owners, there are more than 166,000 
women-owned businesses in my home state of Minnesota, employing 349,800 
people and generating $42.3 billion in sales. Between 1987 and 1996 the 
number of women-owned businesses increased dramatically, by over 73 
percent.
  Mr. President, one of the unique aspects of Minnesota's small 
business community is the large number of high-tech companies 
throughout our state. I certainly envision an important role for small, 
high-technology businesses in meeting the nation's science and 
technology in the years ahead. Small businesses account for 28 percent 
of jobs in high-technology sectors and represent 96 percent of all 
exporters, underscoring the important role the small business community 
will have toward developing a 21st century economy that is globally and 
technologically driven.
  During ``National Small Business Week,'' I am proud to share with my 
colleagues the special recognition recently granted by the Small 
Business Administration to two dedicated Minnesotans: Comfrey Mayor 
Linda Wallin and Ms. Supenn Harrison, a restaurateur in Minneapolis.
  Mr. President, in 1997 several communities in Minnesota were 
threatened by terrible tornadoes and floods. Almost immediately, Mayor 
Wallin provided courageous leadership to protect the community of 
Comfrey from this dangerous natural disaster. In addition to 
establishing a command center to coordinate efforts to rebuild and 
provide relief to residents, Mayor Wallin secured assistance from the 
SBA to rebuild a civic center, a new library, and an elementary school. 
This year, the SBA has honored her with the ``Phoenix Award'' for those 
who have displayed confidence, optimism, and love of community while 
surmounting near disaster.
  Ms. Supenn Harrison, a successful CEO of Sawatdee, a Thai restaurant 
in Minneapolis, represents the finest of Minnesota's small business 
owners. Ms. Harrison is Minnesota's 1999 honoree as one of the fifty 
finalists to be considered for the National Small Business Person of 
the Year. Ms. Harrison's investment in her company and employees 
through constant efforts to update equipment, implement new marketing 
strategies, and encourage high employee morale underscores her 
commitment to a strong economy.
  Mr. President, I am honored to recognize the contributions of 
Minnesota's small business community during ``National Small Business 
Week.'' I look forward to working with my colleagues to promote an 
economic climate where small businesses can succeed through federal 
regulatory relief, tax reduction, a skilled workforce, and free trade 
policies.

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