We have launched many special initiatives to help traditionally underserved communities access the new opportunities in our growing economy.
Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Secretary of Labor

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao spoke today at the 2006 Diversity Best Practices Conference. The conference brings together corporations, government agencies and business owners to help companies utilize and improve their diversity strategies.

"Diversity gives America an advantage in understanding and interacting with other cultures, so our workforce can compete more effectively," Secretary Chao.

The Secretary discussed several departmental minority outreach efforts and urged the audience to learn more about the Department of Labor's annual Opportunity Conference, which is designed to help Asian Pacific, Hispanic and African Americans network and access new opportunities. The fourth annual conference will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 17, 2006.

"We have launched many special initiatives to help traditionally underserved communities access the new opportunities in our growing economy," said Secretary Chao. "These efforts include sponsoring partnerships to help Hispanic workers develop greater English and workplace skills, a leadership summit with historically black colleges and universities and forums with Asian Pacific Americans to increase awareness of economic opportunities in the private and public sectors."

"The national unemployment rate for June held steady at 4.6 percent — the lowest level in nearly five years and more than a point lower than the average rate of the 1990s. America's economy has generated 5.4 million net new jobs since August of 2003," said Secretary Chao.

Chao also cited the latest Census Bureau report that shows women-owned businesses have risen by 20 percent, Asian American business ownership has increased 24 percent, Hispanic-owned businesses have risen by 31 percent and African-American business ownership is up 45 percent.

"That is real progress, and a tribute to the entrepreneurial opportunities that America provides."