A house RESOLUTION

To honor the members of the American Business Women's Association in South Carolina upon the 75th Anniversary of the American Business Women's Association, to recognize Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes upon her election as the 2023-2024 ABWA National President, and to welcome all ABWA members and guests for the Second Annual "American Business Women's Day" at the State House on March 7, 2024.

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." Embracing the 75th Anniversary theme "Find Unity in Community in ABWA," the ABWA seeks to change women's lives one woman at a time; and

Whereas, on September 22, 1949, Shirley Cupp, Irma Beisel, Frances Stuckey, and Mr. Hilary Bufton, Jr., met in a coffee shop in downtown Kansas City to incorporate the ABWA at a time when it was considered socially unacceptable for women to pursue a full-time career, have a girls' night out, or even join an association. Since then, ABWA has broken barriers for women and on behalf of women.  More than five thousand business/networking meetings are hosted each year in hundreds of cities across the nation; and

Whereas, now a nationally recognized American holiday, the American Business Women's Day (ABWA Day) occurs annually on September 22. This holiday was recognized in 1983 and 1986 by Congressional resolution and a proclamation issued by President Ronald Reagan to commemorate the important legacy and contributions of all working women in the workforce and in 1987 the American Business Women's Foundation was established to enlighten, empower, and equip women to achieve parity with an emphasis on opportunity and pay equity in the workplace; and

Whereas, ABWA is committed to women whether they are starting a new business, looking to advance their career or pursuing an education. Empowering women through educational scholarships, members give back by funding scholarships through the Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund (SBMEF).  Since 1953, the educational fund has awarded more than eighteen million dollars in scholarships to over eighteen thousand women. In 1987, the American Business Women's Foundation was established to enlighten, empower, and equip women to achieve parity with a emphasis on opportunity and pay equity in the workplace; and

Whereas, the ABWA is also committed to creating accessible, affordable, and innovative learning opportunities that prepare women to respond to the challenges or opportunities experienced at any given moment in their careers.  Learners of all ages, educational backgrounds, and career paths are welcome along with those who are motivated to commence their learning journey; and

Whereas, the purpose of the South Carolina ABWA Day at the State House and Celebrating Women-Transforming Lives Luncheon is to raise awareness, inspire and celebrate the contributions that women are making in the workforce in South Carolina, and to recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of South Carolina history in a variety of occupations; and

Whereas, ABWA chapters and council established in South Carolina are the Columbia Triad Chapter, Columbia; EmpowerHer ABWA Chapter, Orangeburg; Jessamine Chapter, Charleston; Women Connecting Women, Newberry; and the SC Area Council; and

Whereas, South Carolina native and resident, Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes, is honored as the newly elected ABWA 74^th national president.  She founded the ABWA Chapter and EmpowerHer, in her hometown of Orangeburg. Under her leadership, the EmpowerHer ABWA Chapter has earned the Level 1 Best Practices in League Management Recognition for five consecutive years. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor the members of the American Business Women's Association in South Carolina upon the 75th anniversary of the American Business Women's Association, recognize Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes upon her election as the 2023-2024 ABWA national president, and welcome all ABWA members and guests for the second annual "American Business Women's Day" at the State House on March 7, 2024.

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