New Haven Register - Blumenthal, Murphy, DeLauro Tout Proposed Bill That Would Help Women-Owned Businesses

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By Ebony Walmsley

At a manufacturing company at 15 Marne St., government officials gathered to discuss and listen to women business owners talk about how to expand the presence of female-owned businesses, including the need to revise a new bill.

U.S. Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal and Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, discussed the importance of passing the Women's Small Business Procurement Parity Act 2014 (WOSB) and how to give women-owned businesses a leg-up.

Phyllis Haynes, chief executive officer of Mariah's Chow Chow Relish, asked the officials how they could create more visibility for those in food production and more incentive for business owners to stay in the state.

Both Murphy and Blumenthal agreed that more could be done to keep businesses in state and provide more opportunities for businesses owners to market their product.

Introduced by U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Jeanne Shaheen, WOSB, if passed, will encourage women's business ownership and provide more opportunities for women-owned small businesses to win federal contracts.

The new bill would also remove the current restriction from the language of the WOSB Act that put a barrier up for women-owned businesses receiving bid contracts.

"It's just the way it was written, for no other reason," said Fran Pastore, president and chief executive officer of Women's Business Development Council.

Murphy, D-Conn., said the bill is a direct challenge that needs to go to Washington, D.C.

"This is a bid barrier about making sure women who offer the best products and prices get these contracts," Murphy said.

Murphy, DeLauro and Blumenthal agreed that the old language of bill doesn't affect only women.

"This isn't about women or men, but the economic growth of the nation," DeLauro said.

The new bill would help business owners like Nancy Coffey, chief executive officer of KTT enterprises, a custom foam manufacturer and supplier.

While Coffey said she has struggled when participating in RFPs (Request for Proposals), she has seen some progress after securing a contract with the U.S. House of Representatives. Coffey's company will replace all the foam in 480 seats for state representatives in Washington, D.C.

"I think they can appreciate we're made in the U.S. and that we're women owned," Coffey said.

Blumenthal, D-Conn., said the old bill is a hindrance to all small businesses.

"Small- to medium-sized businesses are our major job creators. This bill is for men and women … this bill is about America," Blumenthal said.

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