[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[House]
[Pages 21658-21660]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY ON ITS 40TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 215) congratulating the Minority 
Business Development Agency on its 40th anniversary and commending its 
achievements in fostering the establishment and growth of minority 
businesses in the United States.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 215

       Whereas the success of minority businesses is a critical 
     component of a robust economy in the United States;
       Whereas minority businesses employ 4,700,000 people, 
     benefit minority communities, and contribute to local, State, 
     and national economies;
       Whereas minority businesses are twice as likely to generate 
     revenues through exports compared to nonminority businesses 
     due to their language capabilities, cultural competencies, 
     ancestral ties, and business agility;
       Whereas in 1969, there were only 322,000 minority 
     businesses with $11,000,000,000 in gross receipts and the 
     number of minority businesses continues to grow, currently 
     estimated at more than 4,000,000 with $661,000,000,000 in 
     gross receipts;
       Whereas minority groups represent 26.1 percent of the 
     population, but own only 11.6 percent of the Nation's 
     businesses and receive only 6.2 percent of total sales;
       Whereas the Minority Business Development Agency was 
     established by Executive Order 11458 on March 5, 1969;
       Whereas the Minority Business Development Agency has 
     operated for the last 40 years as the only Federal agency 
     created specifically to serve minority entrepreneurs;
       Whereas the Minority Business Development Agency operates a 
     network of business development centers throughout the United 
     States to assist with the start-up, expansion, and 
     development of minority businesses;
       Whereas the Minority Business Development Agency supports 
     the Gulf Coast Recovery through its five centers located in 
     Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi;
       Whereas in fiscal year 2008, the Minority Business 
     Development Agency assisted more than 25,000 minority 
     businesses producing over $1,000,000,000 in contracts and 
     over $1,100,000,000 in financial packages, which contributed 
     in excess of 5,300 new jobs created for its clients;
       Whereas since 1969, the Minority Business Development 
     Agency has served more than 625,000 minority businesses and 
     assisted in securing more than $25,000,000,000 in loans and 
     bonding; and
       Whereas the Minority Business Development Agency's long-
     term strategic direction is achieving entrepreneurial parity 
     so that minority business enterprises are in proportion to 
     the minority population: Now, therefore, be it
         Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
         (1) congratulates the Minority Business Development 
     Agency on its 40th anniversary;
         (2) commends the Minority Business Development Agency for 
     its achievements in fostering the establishment and growth of 
     minority businesses; and
         (3) encourages the Minority Business Development Agency 
     to continue its efforts to assist minority businesses as such 
     enterprises continue to strengthen communities, create jobs, 
     and contribute to the health of the economy in the United 
     States.


[[Page 21659]]


  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Carson) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Paulsen) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Indiana.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Indiana?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 215, which 
congratulates the Minority Business Development Agency for its 40 years 
of commendable service to America's minority-owned businesses.
  The Minority Business Development Agency has had a large presence in 
Indiana and continues to promote growth and achievement in this 
economic crisis.
  Since its establishment, the Agency's mission has been to foster the 
creation of minority-owned businesses in the U.S. In fact, this 
organization has operated as the only Federal agency created 
specifically to serve minority-owned businesses through its network of 
over 40 centers nationwide.
  Since its inception in 1969, over 3.6 million minority-owned 
businesses have been opened, creating over 4.7 million jobs. This 
amazing growth has accounted for $661 billion in revenue. Over the last 
40 years, these businesses have flourished as a result of consulting 
services provided by the Agency to over 625,000 firms.
  During this economic crisis, the Minority Business Development 
Agency's services are more critical than ever. As minority-owned 
businesses continue to struggle, this organization provides a lifeline 
to an essential component of our Nation's economy.
  In 2008, despite the ongoing recession, the Agency assisted more than 
25,000 minority-owned businesses. As a result, thousands of Americans 
are now gainfully employed. Today, the Agency continues to work 
diligently to assist minority-owned businesses by identifying 
opportunities available through the Recovery Act.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Minority Business Development Agency 
for its four decades of admirable successes in fostering our Nation's 
minority-owned businesses. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of 
House Resolution 215.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in support of House Resolution 215 to commemorate the 
40th anniversary of the Minority Business Development Agency.
  It was nearly half a century ago that President Nixon recognized the 
need to stand by minority businessmen and businesswomen advancing the 
ability of minority businesses to compete financially on a national 
level. With approximately 40 business centers around the country, the 
MBDA set up a national network providing minorities access and support 
to the resources necessary to compete in a global business environment.
  Access to capital is the primary focus of the MBDA. Since its 
creation, this Agency has worked alongside more than 25,000 minority 
business owners to generate $1.85 billion in contracts and financial 
awards for minority businesses.
  Mr. Speaker, MBDA also provides minority entrepreneurs with one-on-
one assistance in writing their business plans, writing their marketing 
plans, management and technical assistance, and the financial planning 
that's necessary to assure adequate funding for business ventures.
  Since its inception, the MBDA has expanded the scope of its 
initiatives internationally by participating in the very first U.S. 
trade mission to Bahrain as well as additional International Trade 
Administration missions to South America, Asia, Africa and the 
Caribbean.
  As we observe this anniversary, we do need to applaud its continued 
commitment to the growth of minority businesses by providing access to 
capital.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield to Mr. Honda, the sponsor 
of this resolution, as much time as he may consume.
  Mr. HONDA. I want to thank Mr. Carson for this opportunity.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 215, congratulating the 
Minority Business Development Agency on its 40th anniversary and its 
achievements in fostering minority businesses in the United States.
  Since its inception in 1969 by President Richard Nixon's Executive 
Order 11458, the MBDA has operated as the only Federal agency created 
to serve minority-owned businesses through its nationwide network of 
more than 40 business development centers and hundreds of strategic 
partners.
  Over that time, MBDA has served over 625,000 minority-owned 
businesses and assisted in securing more than $25 billion in loans and 
bonding, greatly contributing to the growth of our minority-owned 
businesses and the welfare of our communities in general.
  I would like to share a couple of success stories of minority-owned 
businesses and companies from my 15th Congressional District of 
California in San Jose. First, Mr. and Mrs. Pradeep Aswani, immigrants 
from India, founded Securematics in Santa Clara, California. In 2002, 
this IT network solution distributor started with $4 million in 
revenue. In just 6 years, they grew their company sales to nearly $115 
million by exploiting opportunities found while participating in MBDA's 
forums, facilitated by the Northern California Minority Business 
Development Center.
  Another success story, Central Computers, was established in 1986 
from very humble beginnings in Santa Clara, California, by Saul and 
Sherry Yeung, two Chinese Americans who immigrated from Hong Kong. 
Through their perseverance and resourcefulness, including taking 
advantage of the services provided by the Northern California Minority 
Business Enterprise Center, the Yeung family successfully transformed 
their home apartment operation into the largest independent computer 
retailer and servicer in the Bay Area, grossing nearly $30 million 
annually. Last September, MBDA recognized Central Computers as the 
National Minority Retail Firm of the Year for 2008.
  The Northern California Minority Business Enterprise Center 
contributed to both of these successes. Funded by the MBDA and operated 
by Asian Inc., a nonprofit technical assistance and research 
organization that aims to strengthen minority communities, this center 
has assisted many of my district's minority-owned businesses. In fact, 
the Center participated in my Small Business Resource Fair held last 
May.
  Now, these two stories are also prime examples of how successful 
minority-owned companies can give back to their local communities. Mr. 
Aswani finds time to mentor many local small business enterprises by 
providing free business strategy counseling. Saul and Sherry Yeung are 
significant contributors to local charities, community organizations, 
and educational institutions, including a $1 million donation to the 
University of California Berkeley's new Tien Center for East Asian 
Studies.
  As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I 
appreciate the support in introducing this resolution from my fellow 
Chairs of the congressional minority caucuses--Hispanic Caucus, Black 
Caucus, and Native American Caucus. We recognize the importance of 
minority-owned businesses not only as critical economic contributors to 
our communities but also their significant influence on the well-being 
of the U.S. economy.
  Minority groups represent 26.1 percent of the population but only own 
11.6 percent of the Nation's businesses and receive only 6.2 percent of 
total

[[Page 21660]]

sales. This disparity between minority-owned businesses compared to 
those nonminority-owned represents a significant loss of economic 
opportunity for the Nation. If economic parity was achieved, minority-
owned businesses would create 16 million jobs, generate $2.5 trillion 
in gross receipts and an unrealized tax base of more than $100 billion 
per year.
  Despite the MBDA's admirable services to foster the growth of 
minority-owned businesses, many more resources are needed to achieve 
economic parity now and in the future. By 2050, the U.S. Census Bureau 
predicts that minorities will comprise more than half of the U.S. 
population. It is easy to foresee the increased reliance our Nation's 
economy will have on minority communities and businesses.
  As difficult as this mission is, I believe the MBDA and its new 
national director, David Hinson, are up to the challenge. David Hinson 
brings to the Agency over 20 years of business expertise and academic 
excellence. Among Director Hinson's new priorities are the creation of 
a new generation of $100 million revenue-producing minority-owned 
businesses and fostering the growth of minority-owned businesses in 
clean energy, in green technology, health care, and information 
technology.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Minority Business Development Agency 
for its 40 years of dedicated work, fostering the growth and 
development of our Nation's minority-owned businesses, and I look 
forward to continuing to work with the MBDA to ensure the success of 
its noble endeavors.
  I would like to thank the Chairs of the congressional minority 
caucuses for introducing this resolution with me. I appreciate the 
support of the cosponsors, and I urge my colleagues to join us in 
supporting H.R. 215.
  Before I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker, I would like 
to express again the local impact that this program has had in my 
community, not only because I know the two companies and the folks who 
had done it, but there are many, many more success stories that go 
untold. And there are yet more potential success stories out there with 
the continuation of this project.

                              {time}  1530

  Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, we have no additional speakers. I would 
urge passage of the resolution, and I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I extend my strong support to H. 
Res. 215, which congratulates the Minority Business Development Agency 
for its accomplishments on its 40th anniversary.
  For forty years, the Minority Business Development Agency has 
fostered the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in 
America. Since the agency's founding in 1969, it has assisted 625,000 
minority businesses and helped them secure more than $25 billion in 
loans and bonding. In 2008, it served 25,000 businesses and contributed 
to the creation of over 5,000 new jobs. The Minority Business 
Development Agency is the only federal agency dedicated to minority 
business enterprise and works to achieve entrepreneurial parity so that 
minority businesses are represented proportionally to the minority 
population in this country.
  While the number of minority businesses in the United States has 
grown today to 4 million from only 322,000 in 1969, the growth of 
minority firms has not kept pace with the growth of the minority 
population. Minority groups represent 26 percent of the country's 
population, but own only 12 percent of the nation's businesses and 
receive only 6 percent of total sales.
  Nevertheless, minority enterprises account for $668 billion in total 
annual sales receipts and employ 5 million people. By 2042, minorities 
in America will become a numerical majority. Based on this population 
shift, it is clear that the success of the American economy is directly 
linked to the success of minority businesses, which are in a unique 
position to support the vibrancy of local communities. Supporting 
minority businesses is not only beneficial to minority enterprise, but 
to communities and people who depend on those businesses as well.
  As the Minority Business Development Agency enters its fifth decade, 
I urge the agency to continue its efforts to help minorities achieve 
entrepreneurial parity, contribute to the health of the national 
economy and communities across America. I am proud to celebrate the 
achievements of the Minority Business Development Agency on its 40th 
anniversary and I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 215.
  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H. Res. 215, a resolution congratulating the Minority Business 
Development Agency on its 40th anniversary and commending its 
achievements in fostering the establishment and growth of minority 
businesses in the United States. I know in my own district MBDA is an 
integral part of the economic development of Orlando. In fiscal year 
2008, the MBDAs Florida Minority Business Opportunity Center (MBOC) in 
Orlando helped minority businesses get $13.6 million in contracts and 
$29 million in financial transactions.
  This year in 2009, one of their local success stories includes APC 
Workforce Solutions, a contract labor, acquisition and management 
company. With the assistance of the MBDAs Florida Minority Business 
Opportunity Center, APC recently received a three-year renewable $45 
million per year contract from Sunoco, Inc. to provide staffing 
services. The contract is that resulted in the creation of 30 new jobs.
  MBDA and its network of centers across the country are helping 
businesses like APC every day. That's why last year MBDA helped 
minority businesses get over $1 billion worth of contracts, $1 billion 
worth of financial transactions that helped create more than 5,300 jobs 
across the country. In this tough economy, agencies like MBDA are 
helping minority-owned firms succeed and Congress needs to do a better 
job of recognizing the important job MBDA has been doing over the past 
40 years. I am ashamed to say that MBDA was overlooked in the American 
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and there was no specific language 
in ARRA for minority businesses.
  In 2050, the minority community will represent 54 percent of the 
total U.S. population. It is imperative to the continued strength of 
the U.S. economy to provide for the growth and expansion of minority 
businesses. The nation is failing to reap the benefits of economic 
parity through the creation of 16 million jobs, generating $2.5 
trillion in gloss receipts and an unrealized tax base of more than $100 
billion per year. Congress must do more to help the minority business 
community.
  I like to say when America has a cold, the African-American community 
has pneumonia. Right now, Congress is ignoring the long-term health of 
our economy by ignoring the needs of minority businesses.
  Minority-owned firms are in the position to generate long-term 
employment and economic sustainability in their communities. Minority 
firms provide nearly 5 million people with steady jobs and create 
wealth in minority communities. They create jobs, impact local and 
state economies and pursue global marketplaces
  MBDAs long term strategic direction is achieving economic parity for 
minority firms. Economic parity is a benchmark measured by the 
proportion of U.S. business owned by minorities being roughly equal to 
the percent of their population. MBDA is focused on creating a new 
generation of $100 million dollar minority businesses creating the 
foundation that helps to close the gap in annual revenues between 
minority-owned firms and non-minority owned firms. At economic parity, 
the diverse business community will be larger than the economies of 
Russia, Italy or Spain. At economic parity, we reduce the unemployment 
rate from the current level of about 9.4 percent to 7.5 percent. At 
economic parity, the tax-base that is generated could fund 100 percent 
of Head Start, 100 percent of State Children's Health Insurance Program 
or a full 10 percent of the cost estimate to reform healthcare.
  In closing, I'd like to again congratulate the Minority Business 
Development Agency on their 40th Anniversary and reiterate the 
importance of minority businesses to the economy.
  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Carson) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 215.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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