News From Congresswoman
Nydia M. Velázquez
Representing New York's 12th Congressional District - Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens
Ranking Democratic Member, House Small Business Committee

For Immediate Release
September 3, 2004

CONTACT: Kate Davis, Allyson Ivins, 202-225-4038

MEDIA ADVISORY

Velázquez to Host Minority Business Summit
Business leaders from around the country to discuss future of minority enterprise

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, will join her Committee colleagues to host the third annual minority business summit on Capitol Hill to discuss the future of minority owned business.

The summit is being held in conjunction with Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, an annual event that recognizes the outstanding achievements of minority businesses and provides networking and seminars on business-building topics.

During the summit, Congresswoman Velázquez will bring leaders of the minority business community together with Members of Congress to discuss the minority business agenda, and the key role they play in job creation and an overall economic recovery here.

Minority owned businesses continue to increase their presence in the business sector. In 2002, minorities owned 15% of U.S. privately-owned firms - they employed 4.5 million workers and generated $591 billion in sales. But minority businesses still face significant barriers to success. At this half-day event, issues such as federal contracting, and access to capital will be discussed.

When and Where:

When: Wednesday, September 8, 2004, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where: 311 Cannon House Office Building

Who: Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez and Democratic Members of the House Small Business Committee
Minority business leaders from Washington, D.C., and across the country

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