News From the
Committee on Small Business
Nydia M. Velázquez, Chairwoman

For Immediate Release
February 26, 2007

CONTACT: Kate Davis, Austin Bonner (202) 225-4038

Rep. Velázquez Receives Wheat Advocate Award
National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S Wheat Associates praise Chairwoman’s extraordinary support for wheat industry

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, February 13, 2007, the National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S Wheat Associates (NAWG) presented Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, Chair of the House Small Business Committee, with their 2006 Wheat Advocate Award. The Wheat Advocate Award is given annually by NAWG to members of Congress who have demonstrated extraordinary support for the wheat industry.

NAWG bestowed the award to highlight the Chairwoman’s efforts to identify places where urban and rural members can collaborate on agricultural issues.  They also support her work to ensure that federal small business programs are appropriately serving rural entrepreneurs. 

“I deeply appreciate this honor. Small businesses are critical component of rural communities, and I look forward to future collaboration that will improve opportunities for entrepreneurs and strengthen communities,” said Chairwoman Velázquez.

Chairwoman Velázquez is committed to advancing issues that connect urban and rural communities, renewable fuels and access to capital.  Access to affordable capital to invest in their enterprises is a major issue for many rural businesses, including farmers attempting to break into emerging markets, such as organic crops.  Chairwoman Velázquez and the Small Business Committee will be exploring these priority issues, among others, to determine how the committee can take legislative action to address the needs of this nation’s small family farms and rural entrepreneurs.  

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