|
 Printer-Friendly Version
OPA News Release: [04/03/2003]
Contact Name: Elissa
Pruett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Speaks to Over
Sixteen Hundred Pennsylvania Businesswomen
Labor Secretary and Small Business Administration
Director Host Conference on Women’s Entrepreneurship in the
21st Century
WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today
spoke to over 1600 businesswomen from around the Pennsylvania region at the
Conference on Women’s Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century,
held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
The time is right. According to the Small Business Administration, there
are currently 9.1 million women-owned businesses in the United States. The
Center for Women’s Business Research has found that employment and revenue
rates in these firms are growing at a faster rate than the national average. In
Connecticut alone, women-owned firms comprise over 25 percent of the
state’s companies and generate over $9 billion in revenue.
Noting small businesswomen’s status as drivers of our nation’s
economic growth, the Secretary stressed that the President’s proposals
demonstrate the President’s commitment to meeting the needs of small
businesswomen across the country. The President’s economic package and
Association Health Plan proposal are designed to increase business owners’
access to capital, stimulate investment in their businesses, help them create
jobs and expand their ability to provide health coverage to employees.
“You are leading a powerful revolution. Once the workplace opened
up to American women in the beginning of the last century, things have never
been the same,” said Chao. “Women entrepreneurs are re-shaping the
economic landscape, creating jobs and bringing about seismic changes in our
nation’s business culture.”
The Department of Labor event, hosted with the Small Business
Administration and key White House officials, replicated last year’s
national summit held in Washington. The events provide forums for women
business owners to celebrate their successes, share ideas and bring attention
to any obstacles that stand in the way of further growth.
# # #
_________________________________________________________________
| 
