July 17, 2002

Women Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century
Northeast Regional Conference
August 8, 2002
www.women-21.com

July 9, 2002
Dear Friend:

We are pleased to invite you to the Northeast Regional Conference on Women Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century, scheduled for August 8, 2002 at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut.  Sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, senior White House officials and the Public Forum Institute, this event follows the very successful national conference held in Washington, D.C. last spring where 1,200 business and community leaders from across the country met to discuss the most pressing issues facing women entrepreneurs today.

Once again, the agenda features presentations tailored to help women navigate in the ever-changing business climate and prepare for the future.  Highlights include a keynote address by U.S. Representative Nancy Johnson, a senior member of the House Ways & Means Committee, Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, and a long-time advocate on issues of concern to women.  

The time is right.  Women are shaping their own professional destinies as never before, and the numbers tell the story.  In addition to accounting for nearly half the workforce, women today own nearly 40 percent of all U.S. businesses, employ more than 27 million workers, and generate $3 trillion in revenues.  As President George W. Bush said, "When it comes to entrepreneurship and job creation, ours is an increasingly woman's world."

Still, challenges remain.  Women business owners are concerned about roadblocks to growth, long-term viability and financial health.  Accordingly, the conference features programs and workshops focusing on access to capital, finding new markets, rising health insurance costs, making sense of the tax code, and achieving financial security.  Perhaps just as important, this is an excellent opportunity to network with others and share your views with government policymakers.  

We are proud to be part of an Administration that champions women - especially women with the courage and drive to become entrepreneurs.  This Administration's policies - from tax relief to a national energy strategy to retirement security - are aimed at strengthening our economy and helping people like you build the rewarding careers you deserve.

Your attendance is important, but space is limited, so please register today at www.women-21.com.  If your schedule does not permit joining us, look for a full report online at the website address and keep the dialogue going.  

Thanks for all you do.  We look forward to seeing you on August 8.  

Sincerely,
Elaine L. Chao
Secretary
U.S. Department of Labor

Hector V. Barreto
Administrator
U.S. Small Business Administration