Whereas, The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) was founded in 1949 by Hilary A. Bufton, Jr., to provide opportunities for business women to grow personally and professionally; and,

Whereas, The mission of the 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, Regardless of status, women deserve the right to fulfill their expectations through unlimited educational opportunities and training; and,

Whereas, There are more than 80,000 active members in more than 1,500 chapters of the ABWA throughout the country; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 22, 2003, as American Business Women’s Day in Michigan, and I urge all citizens to recognize and appreciate the many contributions of women in business professional world.