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OPA News Release: [03/08/2002]
Contact Name: Sue Hensley

Over One Thousand Businesswomen to Share Ideas
With Experts on Small Business Issues
Conference on Women Entrepreneurship in the 21^st Century

WASHINGTON – Money Magazine Editor-at-Large Jean Chatzky, Women’s President Organization President Marsha Firestone and Independent Women’s Forum President Nancy Pfotenhauer will be among dozens of experts leading discussions at the Conference on Women Entrepreneurship in the 21^st Century. The Department of Labor event, hosted with The Public Forum Institute and in conjunction with the Small Business Administration, will cover issues including trade, health insurance, taxes, raising capital, developing a healthy work-life balance and security retirement.

The conference will be held Monday, March 18 and Tuesday, March 19 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. (Tuesday’s portion of the program will be broadcast live over the Internet at www.women-21.com). Secretary of Labor Elaine L. 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. Presenters during the conference include:

• Adrienne Braumiller, President, Organization of Women in International Trade

• Angela Styles, Administrator, Office of Federal Procurement, OMB

• Barbara Weltman, Author, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Starting a Home-Based Business”

• Deanna Gelak, CEO, Work for the Future

• Erika Taylor, President, Payroll Masters

• Grace-Marie Turner, President, Galen Institute

• Maria Cino, Director General, Commercial Services U.S. Department of Commerce

• Michele Davis, Assistant Secretary, Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Treasury

• Monica Luechtefeld, Executive Vice President, E-Commerce, Office Depot

Women-owned businesses are driving the American economy by producing more and more jobs for American workers. According to the Small Business Administration, there are currently 9.1 million women-owned businesses in the United States, and 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 conference 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. More than 1,000 women entrepreneurs are expected to attend.

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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