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OPA News Release: [04/28/2005]
Contact Name: Kristin Wilson
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number: 05-769-NAT
U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Delivers Keynote Address
At SBA’s Celebrating Women in Business Luncheon
WASHINGTON—U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao addressed over
2,000 women entrepreneurs at today's Small Business Administration's (SBA) Celebrating
Women in Business Luncheon. As part of SBA's Expo '05, Secretary Chao
outlined the important role of women entrepreneurs in further supporting
and bolstering our nation's robust economy.
“A generation ago, women were making history by entering the workforce
in record numbers,” stated Secretary Chao. “Today, women entrepreneurs
are competing in the worldwide economy and creating opportunities for
American workers.”
Secretary Chao highlighted Associated Health Plans as an important step
in making quality, affordable health benefits available to our nation's
small business owners and their employees. Currently, small businesses
pay 20-30 percent higher premiums than larger employers do for similar
health benefits.
Chao also recognized the effects of high energy costs on American small
business, stressing the Administration's commitment to reducing the nation's
dependence on foreign oil.
“Thank you for your commitment and hard work, for creating new jobs for
your fellow citizens and for helping support our nation's economy,” Secretary
Chao stated in closing. “As President Bush likes to say, the government
doesn't create jobs—American's do. But rest assured, this Administration
is here to support you every step of the way.”
Elaine L. Chao is the nation's 24th Secretary of Labor. Since her confirmation
by the United States Senate on January 29, 2001, she has been dedicated
to carrying out the Department of Labor's mission of inspiring and protecting
the hardworking people of America. She is respected as an effective and
articulate champion of the nation's contemporary workforce, focusing the
Labor Department on the modern realities of workers' lives.
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