Regarding The Score Association

Floor Speech

REGARDING THE SCORE ASSOCIATION -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 10, 2007)

* Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, America's small businesses are among the most vital elements of the Nation's economy. Small businesses employ 50 percent of the Nation's workforce, produce 97 percent of all exports and generate the majority of innovations that come from U.S. companies.

* Many times, an entrepreneur's dreams become a nightmare because they lack the necessary training to plan and evaluate a business proposal or they lack the proper funding or skills to be successful. That is why Madam Speaker I rise today to recognize the work and committed public service of employees and volunteers of SCORE.

* SCORE is a vital source of free and confidential advice for existing and emerging small businesses and has become a trusted and valued partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE has 389 chapters nationwide staffed with 10,500 volunteers comprised of working and retired small business owners, successful corporate executives and military veterans and professionals. These experienced business counselors share their knowledge and experience with entrepreneurs in the strictest confidence and without conflicts of interest.

* In the past year, SCORE conducted more than 300,000 counseling sessions and held nearly 7,000 workshops with more than 125,000 attendees. SCORE volunteers have devoted more than one million hours to helping America's small business owners and entrepreneurs.

* SCORE volunteers deserve to be recognized for their commitment to public service and for their efforts to build strong communities and strong small businesses.

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