Vice President Joe Biden addressed the national meeting of the Urban League last week. During his remarks, he sent the right message to women and minority business enterprises — they are a key part of the nation's economic recovery. And that they must get their fare share of the stimulus program. During the initial days of the Obama Administration's stimulus package, there was some uncertainty as to how W/MBEs would be part of the program. There were concerns that the reliance on the provisions of the "disadvantaged business enterprises" program might prevent any such involvement.

True to its word, the administration listened to such concerns. The Women Builders Council was one of the organizations to bring these issues directly to the White House. Meeting with Adolfo Carrion, Director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs, WBC presented these issues. Director Carrion listened closely and indicated that the stimulus program would be made more receptive to W/MBEs. His long record as a Member of the New York City Council and Bronx Borough President makes him uniquely qualified in working with groups who seek to involve W/MBEs even more.

Vice President Biden who is overseeing the stimulus program has directed each of the federal agencies to be more aggressive in making participation by women and minorities a reality. His strong and clear words are most reassuring. President Obama and Vice President Biden fully understand the vital role that our organizations and businesses will play in turning our economy around.

The President's chief economic adviser for the President recently made a compelling observation during a television interview. He noted that six months ago the question was when the nation would go from a recession to a depression. Now, the question is when will the recession end? Progress is being made.