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OPA News Release: [07/12/2006]
Contact Name: Melinda Thielen
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number: 06-1198-NAT

U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Addresses Attendees of 2006 Diversity Best Practices Conference

Unemployment Down, Minority and Women-Owned Businesses Up

WASHINGTON —At the 2006 Diversity Best Practices Conference, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today highlighted the department's minority outreach initiatives, vigorous enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and the President's economic achievements which have created more opportunities for all Americans. The conference brings together corporations, government agencies and business owners to help companies utilize and improve their diversity strategies.

"America's diversity is a tremendous asset in a worldwide economy that is growing more and more interconnected," Secretary Chao said. "Diversity gives America an advantage in understanding and interacting with other cultures, so our workforce can compete more effectively."

Secretary Chao discussed several departmental minority outreach efforts and urged the audience to learn more about the Department of Labor's annual Opportunity Conference, which is designed to help Asian Pacific, Hispanic and African Americans network and access new opportunities. The fourth annual conference will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 17, 2006. More information is available at www.opportunityconference.gov.

"We have launched many special initiatives to help traditionally underserved communities access the new opportunities in our growing economy," said Secretary Chao. "These efforts include sponsoring partnerships to help Hispanic workers develop greater English and workplace skills, a leadership summit with historically black colleges and universities and forums with Asian Pacific Americans to increase awareness of economic opportunities in the private and public sectors."

"Our nation's economy is growing and strong. The national unemployment rate for June held steady at 4.6 percent — the lowest level in nearly five years and more than a point lower than the average rate of the 1990s. America's economy has generated 5.4 million net new jobs since August of 2003," said Secretary Chao. "And the latest Census Bureau report notes that women-owned businesses have risen by 20 percent, Asian American business ownership has increased 24 percent, Hispanic-owned businesses have risen by 31 percent and African-American business ownership has risen by 45 percent!"

"That is real progress, and a tribute to the entrepreneurial opportunities that America provides."