WHEREAS, Small businesses are the backbone of Washington State's economy and they provide employment throughout the state of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, The University of Washington's Business and Economic Development Program recognizes that when small businesses succeed the entire community benefits; and
     WHEREAS, Over the last ten years the Business and Economic Development Program has had a wealth of accomplishments which have greatly impacted the lives of small business owners and students alike; and
     WHEREAS, The Business and Economic Development Program has enabled more than 600 students to work with 250 small, mostly women- and minority-owned, businesses in all regions of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, The Business and Economic Development Program has grown to serve small businesses in Western, Central, and Eastern Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Through the efforts of the Business and Economic Development Program, more than 500 jobs have been created and many more retained and over 12 million dollars in new revenue has been raised; and
     WHEREAS, The Business and Economic Development Program has supported the growth of small businesses in economically distressed communities across Washington; and
     WHEREAS, The Business and Economic Development Program has delivered valuable consulting to small businesses through the partnership of University of Washington Business School students and business executives; and
     WHEREAS, The Business and Economic Development Program has raised more than $100,000 in scholarships to support opportunities for under-represented minority students at the University of Washington Business School; and
     WHEREAS, The Business and Economic Development Program is partnering with community colleges and other higher education institutions in Washington State to serve a growing number of communities in all regions of the state; and
     WHEREAS, The Business and Economic Development Program is continuing to fulfill its mission of changing lives and communities;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and honor the University of Washington Business and Economic Development Program's 10th year anniversary and record of accomplishments; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives thank the Business and Economic Development Program for expanding students' knowledge and skills, helping small businesses grow, create, and retain jobs, open educational opportunities for under-represented minority students, and stimulating innovative economic development research; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage the Business and Economic Development Program to continue its work with other higher education institutions in Washington with the goal of serving a growing number of communities and students across Washington; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by 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.