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OPA News Release: [03/16/2006]
Contact Name: Peggy
Abrahamson
Phone Number: (202) 693-7909
Contact Name: Kristin
Wilson
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number: 06-0488-NAT
U.S. Secretary of Labor Chao Honors Working Women
for Contribution to America's Economic Vitality
WASHINGTON — The number of women-owned businesses —
more than 10 million — is growing at twice the rate of all U.S. firms, a
trend that U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao applauded here today at an
event commemorating Women's History Month.
"Women in America today can access nearly unlimited opportunities," said
Chao. "Women-owned businesses are growing at twice the rate of all U.S. firms
and as entrepreneurs, women are creating jobs and strengthening our economy.
Today, no matter what goal a woman sets for herself, she can accomplish her
dreams."
Chao spoke to an audience of nearly four hundred women attending the
"Celebrating Great American Women of Today and Tomorrow" event at the National
Museum of Women in the Arts.
In addition to celebrating Women's History Month, the department
recognized the achievements of companies, groups, organizations and mentors who
have worked with its Women's Bureau to improve the lives of working women. The
Bureau's programs are especially focused on helping students and young
professionals develop skills for promising, high growth careers.
"The Women's Bureau is committed to preparing America's working women to
be competitive in the new economy," said Shinae Chun, the bureau's national
director. "We believe that high-tech training is one of the best ways to narrow
the skills gap and provide the potential for a better financial future for
working women."
The U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau, established by Congress
in 1920, is the only federal agency mandated to represent the needs of
wage-earning women in the public policy process. During its 86 years, it has
been meeting the goal of identifying the issues working women care about most
and vigorously pioneering research and remedies to address them.
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