NATIONAL BUSINESS WOMEN’S WEEK

Harrisburg, Oct. 2, 2003 – In an effort to draw attention to women in business, state Sen. Connie Williams introduced a resolution honoring them, which was unanimously adopted by the Senate this week.

Williams’ resolution (S.R. 166) declares the week of Oct. 20 to 24 as “National Business Women’s Week” in Pennsylvania. The week has been celebrated nationally since 1928.

“The designation calls attention to local women entrepreneurs and facilitates discussions on the needs of working women,” Williams said.

“Though women have more business and professional opportunities today than in 1928, this type of observance still is relevant today. By drawing attention to the needs of working women, we can facilitate discussions of those needs, allow for an open sharing of information about successful workplace policies and raise awareness of the resources available for women in their communities and in the Commonwealth.”

In addition to the resolution, Williams – who is a member of the Conshohocken Business and Professional Women’s Organization -- has introduced legislation that would re-establish in statute the Women’s Commission (S.R. 932). She also prime-sponsored legislation (S.B. 933) that would create the Women’s Business Ownership Council within the Department of Community and Economic Development in an effort to assure that women business owners are able to achieve economic equality as well as contribute to the Commonwealth’s economic growth.

“Women have so much to contribute. By providing advocacy, we help promote leadership roles and increase opportunities for women to advance professionally and personally,” Williams