[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8689]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                      NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to America's 
small businesses--the backbone of our Nation's vibrant economy. As my 
colleagues may know, the week of May 21-27 is recognized as ``National 
Small Business Week.''
  Small businesses have always been one of the leading providers of 
jobs in our country. According to the Small Business Administration, 
small businesses employ 52 percent of the private workforce and account 
for 35 percent of federal contract dollars. Small businesses produce 38 
percent of jobs in high-technology industries, and small- and medium-
sized companies comprise 96 percent of all exporters and 30 percent of 
all exports. These statistics underscore the important role the small 
business community will have toward developing a 21st century economy 
that is global and technologically driven.
  In particular, I am very pleased with 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 9.1 million 
women-owned businesses in the United States, employing more than 27.5 
million people and generating $3.6 billion in sales. Between 1987 and 
1999, the number of women-owned firms increased dramatically, by more 
than 103 percent.
  During ``National Small Business Week,'' I am proud to share with my 
colleagues the special recognition granted by the Small Business 
Administration to two of Minnesota's small business persons: the 1999 
Minnesota Small Business Person of the Year, Nancy L. Fogelberg, 
President of American Artstone in New Ulm, Minnesota; and the Financial 
Services Advocate of the Year, Iric Nathanson, Project Coordinator for 
the Minneapolis Community Development Agency.
  To be named a recipient of the Small Business Person of the Year 
award is not an easy task. The Small Business Administration has 
selected Nancy for this unique recognition based on her personal 
achievements and important contributions to our economy. Nancy has 
demonstrated growth in the total number of company employees; 
innovative products and services; growth in sales and financial 
position; an ability to effectively address problems confronting the 
company; and community service.
  In 1993, Nancy Fogelberg became President of American Artstone, an 
86-year-old manufacturer of architectural stone castings. Nancy quickly 
modernized her plant through financing provided by the Small Business 
Administration, and quickly made American Artstone more competitive and 
profitable. I also congratulate Nancy on recently being named president 
of the National Cast Stone Institute.
  I am also proud to recognize the important achievements of Iric 
Nathanson, who has worked to provide financing opportunities for small 
businesses. Among his many achievements, Iric developed a capital-loan 
program that uses city-backed guarantees to help small businesses 
access revolving credit lines and working capital loans. Iric also 
coordinated the development of a micro-enterprise loan program in 
Minneapolis though the establishment of a partnership between the 
Minneapolis Community Development Agency and the Minneapolis Consortium 
of Community Developers. Small businesses in Minneapolis have been well 
served by Iric's efforts on their behalf.
  I again congratulate the National Small Business Week winners from 
Minnesota and every small business owner who helps make our communities 
better places to work and live. I look forward to working with them on 
small business public policy issues during the 106th Congress.

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