HONORING McKEE FOODS, A WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS

On 2025-05-05, Representative Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (R-TN-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING McKEE FOODS, A WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS" in the House.

HONORING McKEE FOODS, A WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 74 (Monday, May 5, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 74 (Monday, May 5, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E384-E385] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING McKEE FOODS, A WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS ______ HON. CHARLES J. ``CHUCK'' FLEISCHMANN of tennessee in the house of representatives Monday, May 5, 2025 Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of women entrepreneurs and to recognize the impact of women-owned businesses in the Third District of Tennessee and our communities nationwide. Like many communities across the United States, East Tennessee is home to many women- and family-owned businesses, critical local employers supporting generations of employees, and local charitable efforts, including our schools and youth sports teams. Women-owned businesses are important drivers of our local economy, employing millions of Americans nationwide and accounting for trillions of dollars in revenue annually. Women-owned businesses also include businesses of all sizes and industries, including in the healthcare, professional services, retail, real estate, and construction industries. Mr. Speaker, I am proud that one such business--McKee Foods Corporation--is located in my district in Collegedale, Tennessee. McKee Foods, better known as the makers of Little Debbie Snack Cakes, was founded by O.D. and Ruth McKee in Tennessee nearly 100 years ago and today is a fourth-generation family business employing thousands of employees nationwide. In March, during Women's History Month, I had the pleasure of meeting with Debbie McKee-Fowler, Chairman of the Board for McKee Foods, and representatives from several women-owned and family businesses here in Washington. These women-owned businesses were on Capitol Hill as part of an event with Family Enterprise USA and members of the Congressional Family Business Caucus to share the stories of their businesses and educate Congress on challenges in starting and growing their businesses, including how government policies like the Death Tax prevent business owners from passing down their legacy to the next generation. As Congress continues its important work of advancing policies that grow our economy, unleash American innovation, and increase opportunity, it is vital that we continue to listen to and support these women-owned businesses, including through legislation. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise in support and celebration of these and other women-owned businesses. [[Page E385]] ____________________