CONTACTS: Linda Rozett/Eric Wohlschlegel
(202) 463-5682 / 888-249-NEWS

 

Wednesday, October 22, 2003

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce brought together the nation’s leading female African-American corporate executives to offer perspective and direction on national business issues and public policy concerns.

“As African-American women climb the ranks in corporate American, it is imperative that these leaders engage in thoughtful discussions on the very issues that affect our nation’s business and our economy,” said Reta J. Lewis, Chamber vice president and director of Access America, a Chamber initiative designed to address policy issues important to women and minority business professionals and entrepreneurs.

 

The U.S. Chamber hosted business leaders, African-American executives, administration officials, and members of Congress during “Black Women and Finance,” a one-day forum to address economic and public policy issues of concern to black corporate women.

The forum, sponsored by the U.S. Chamber’s Access America, the Executive Leadership Council, and the White House Office of Public Liaison, brought together executives from banking, finance, and corporate sectors, CFOs and treasurers of Fortune 500 companies.

 

“We are bringing into the fold of public policy advocacy women of color who have proved to be credible contributors to corporate America, and extending their credibility among the ranks of the policymakers in Washington.

 

Established business executives must share their knowledge, open doors to networks and capital, and form strategic alliances and investments to the benefit of all America’s businesses,” said Lewis.

 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

 

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