[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13364]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF MCABW

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2015

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor the 10th 
anniversary of The Montgomery County Association of Business Women of 
Montgomery County, Texas. Founded by my good friend Carol Gooch in 
2005, the MCABW not only provides a forum for business women to develop 
and enhance professional and personal relationships with their peers, 
the group actively works to improve Montgomery County.
  After graduating from Leadership Montgomery County in 2003, Carol 
decided to form a group so that women could network and grow their 
businesses. The group was one of the first womens' networking 
associations in Montgomery County and its success has spurred the 
creation of many more similar groups.
  In addition to providing an invaluable forum for women to network, 
the group has continued to give back to their community. MCABW sponsors 
college scholarships for women graduating high school in Montgomery 
County and supports members who wish to continue their education. At 
their inaugural fundraising event this year, the group raised $12,000 
which will be used to fund additional scholarships and charities.
  Not only does the group mentor women, MCABW has helped virtually 
every non-profit organization in Montgomery County including: 
Interfaith of the Woodlands, Montgomery County United Way, Children's 
Safe Harbor, Humane Society, and the Montgomery County Food Bank, just 
to name a few.
  While the ranks of MCABW have grown far beyond the original 52 
members in the ten years since its founding, the mission of the group 
has continued to focus on a team effort. By working together, the group 
has grown to the largest nonprofit business women's networking 
association in Montgomery County. Members enjoy monthly coffees, 
luncheons and evening mixers while continuously mentoring new members 
who want to start their own business, learn more about networking or 
social media, or who just want to meet other like-minded women in the 
community.
  MCABW has helped organize the annual WISE (Women Inspiring, 
Supporting, Empowering) Conference. These conferences have given female 
entrepreneurs access to tremendous speakers and learning opportunities 
while raising money for charity. This year's WISE Conference has 
partnered with Rettsyndrome.org to raise funds for research for 
treatments and a cure for Rett Syndrome.
  The women of MCABW represent all walks of life--there are members 
returning to the world of work, young members who are just starting 
their careers, and seasoned professionals willing to pass on their 
wisdom and knowledge.
  Today, I ask all of America to join me in congratulating the dynamic 
Carol Gooch, and all members of the MCABW, on ten years of excellence. 
I can't wait to see what the future holds for the Montgomery County 
Association of Business Women.

                          ____________________