American Business Women’s Day

WHEREAS, the mission of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition; and

WHEREAS, ABWA has 40,000 members who represent more than 23 industries nationwide, and 10,000 of whom are business owners; and

WHEREAS, ABWA was established to give access to professional development, networking and recognition opportunities; and

WHEREAS, through business training and skill development programs, insightful and timely seminars and a nationally respected scholarship program, ABWA fulfills its commitment to its members’ advancement; and

WHEREAS, changing with the times since its founding in 1949, ABWA is the largest national women’s professional organization, possessing a strong tradition of serving women’s needs and bringing women together at local level each month; and

WHEREAS, one of the most historic events affecting ABWA was the proclamation of September 22 as American Business Women’s Day; and

WHEREAS, enacted in 1983 by a joint Congressional resolution and the signature of then-president Ronald Reagan, the proclamation recognized all working women; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 22, 2011, as

American Business Women’s Day

in the State of the Alabama and recognize the past, present and future successes of all working women.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 19th day of September 2011.

                                                                                 Governor Robert Bentley