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OPA News Release: [03/07/2002]
Contact Name: Sue
Hensley
Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces Overwhelming Response to
Conference on Women Entrepreneurship in the 21st
Century
Over One Thousand Businesswomen Will
Participate
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced
today that the U.S. Department of Labor has received an overwhelming response
to its invitations for the Conference on Women Entrepreneurship in the
21st Century, to be held Monday, March 18 and Tuesday, March 19 at
the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.
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.
The Department of Labor event, hosted with The Public Forum Institute, will
provide a forum for women business owners to celebrate their successes, share
ideas and bring attention to any obstacles that stand in the way of further
growth. Response to the event provides evidence of women-owned businesses’
expanding influence on the economy and public policy.
Secretary Chao and Small Business Administrator Hector Barreto will open
the event at lunch on Monday. Participants will hear presentations and take
part in question and answer sessions with public officials, business leaders
and financial experts throughout both days. Tuesday’s portion of the
program will be broadcast live over the Internet at www.women-21.com.
The conference will also host workshops sessions so that attendees may
join smaller groups to discuss certain issues in greater depth. John F. Kennedy
Center for the Performing Arts Board of Trustees member, author and actress Bo
Derek will moderate a panel discussion on gaining positive media exposure for a
small business. Other experts will lead discussions on such issues as trade,
health insurance, taxes, raising capital, developing a healthy work-life
balance and securing retirement.
“As Secretary of Labor, I see first hand that women-owned
businesses are driving our economy by producing more and more jobs for American
workers,” Chao said. “These women are vital to our nation’s
prosperity. I look forward to congratulating them on their successes and
listening to their ideas for advancing their businesses’ growth and our
economy’s expansion.”
Media who wish to cover the event should contact Kate Whitman at (202)
693-4650. Press must be credentialed prior to the event.
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