March 11, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 47 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page H1649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING ENTREPRENEUR ANGIE RUFF

  (Mr. SPANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Women's History 
Month, a time to highlight the many often-overlooked female 
contributions to our national history.
  Great women have undoubtedly helped make America great. From the 
classroom to the boardroom, from Capitol Hill to outer space, their 
impact is undeniable.
  Now, across our land, women-owned businesses are thriving in our 
booming economy above all others. Over the past 5 years, these 
businesses have grown by 21 percent, compared to 9 percent across all 
other sectors.
  An example of this entrepreneurial spirit is seen in Lakeland, 
Florida's own Angie Ruff. Mrs. Ruff opened a dry food manufacturing 
business in 2018. Through her dedication and passion for creating good 
local jobs, her warehouse has since tripled in size, and her head count 
quadrupled. The future for her and other entrepreneurs like her looks 
bright.
  It is because of individuals like Angie Ruff, who are making history, 
that I am proud to represent Florida's 15th District on the House Small 
Business Committee, and it is because of dedicated women like her that 
we can proudly say: America is back and open for business.

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