HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 99-4682, by Representatives Santos, Kenney, Veloria, Tokuda, Constantine, Ruderman, Cairnes, Radcliff, Ballasiotes, Hankins, Mitchell, Skinner, Van Luven, Thomas, Esser and Dunn

      WHEREAS, Inner-city and rural communities in Washington continue to have higher rates of unemployment than the state as a whole; and

      WHEREAS, Small business owners in inner-city and rural communities face significant challenges in growing their businesses; and

      WHEREAS, The University of Washington Business School is one of the premier business schools in the country; and

      WHEREAS, The University of Washington Business School launched a Business and Economic Development Program to assist small businesses in economically distressed communities; and

      WHEREAS, The University of Washington Business and Economic Development Program is a successful model of partnership that was initiated equally by community and business organizations, small business owners, private corporations, and the University of Washington Business School; and

      WHEREAS, The University of Washington has demonstrated the success of its efforts to create new jobs in Seattle and is seeking to develop a companion program through the University of Washington, Tacoma and through other partnerships across the state; and

      WHEREAS, The University of Washington Business and Economic Development Program has been recognized by the United States Small Business Administration for its innovative program;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington recognize and commend the University of Washington, its faculty, staff, and students for their work to assist small businesses in economically distressed communities through the Business and Economic Development Program; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington thank the individuals, community organizations, banks, corporations, University of Washington alumni, and others who have formed a unique partnership with the University of Washington Business and Economic Development Program for their investments of time and financial resources in support of small business development, improved education for undergraduate and graduate students, and enhanced economic activity for distressed communities; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to the Governor, the University of Washington Board of Regents, the University of Washington Business School Advisory Board, and the Advisory Board of the University of Washington Business and Economic Development Program.

          I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

         Resolution 4682 adopted by the House of Representatives

                             April 20, 1999.

________________________________             _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk            Dean R. Foster Co-Chief Clerk