Event Title:

Organization:

  Business

  Atlanta

Start Date:

  8/3/2009

End Date:

  8/4/2009

Start Time:

End Time:

Event Info: 

  
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
COMMERCE
NEWS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20230

­­­­­______________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sandra Sanders Media Contact: Diane Larche'
Phone: (404) 730-3300 Phone: 404 273-3227
www.mbda.gov


MBDA Announces the Southeast Regional Minority Enterprise Development Week Business Summit and Conference August 3-4, 2009
Will focus on fostering innovation, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act opportunities, and the economic impact of minority businesses

Atlanta (June 26,2009) The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Southeast Regional Office, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, will hold its annual Southeast Regional Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference, August 3-4 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta, GA. The Conference will focus on fostering innovation, competitiveness and opportunities for minority businesses to retool and rebuild America’s infrastructure under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).


"In order to jumpstart our economy we need to continue to promote the growth and competitiveness of minority businesses," said MBDA’s Southeast Regional Director Patricia Hanes. "Minority firms in the Southeast region account for more than $100 million in total annual receipts, employing more than 700,000 workers in the region. Minority entrepreneurs represent the future growth of our economy.”

The Inaugural MED Week Business Summit, held August 3, will be moderated by CNN news analyst and award-winning journalist, Roland Martin. Mr. Martin will lead an interactive discussion with industry expert panelists to explore strategies and integrated solutions in the areas of:

Global competitiveness
Product and service innovation
The role of government and private sector in fostering a reenergized economy


Panelists for the Business Summit include Joseph Anderson, CEO, TAG Holdings Susan Story, President and CEO, Gulf Power, A Southern Company Dr. Danny Boston, noted economist and CEO, EuQuant Jimmy Bridgeman, Acting Regional Administrator, U.S. General Services Administration and Rafael Maldonado, Global Relationship Manager, United Commercial Bank.

The Southeast Annual MED Week Awards Luncheon will take place on August 4 recognizing and promoting the achievements of minority-owned businesses and their supporters.

In addition, the International Trade Day Symposium will be held in two parts on August 4. Participants will learn how to do business in new global markets.

Atlanta MED Week Agenda At-A-Glance:
Monday August 3, 2009
Inaugural Business Summit 10:00am – 12:00pm
Business Summit Luncheon 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Access to Contracting Opportunities 2:15pm – 4:00pm
Federal Reserve Banker’s Roundtable 4:00pm – 6:00pm


Tuesday August 4, 2009

International Trade Day Symposium (Part I) 9:30am – 12:00pm

· Southeast Regional MED Week Awards Luncheon 12:30pm – 2:00pm

· International Trade Day Symposium (Part II) 2:30pm – 5:00pm

· ITD Reception 5:00pm – 7:00pm



For more information about the Southeast Region Annual MED Week Business Summit and Conference, please visit www.medweekatlanta.com.

About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

Promoting Competitive Business Growth for 40 Years – 1969-2009



MBDA, www.mbda.gov, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, celebrates 40 years of promoting business growth for minority businesses. In doing so, minority-owned firms are better equipped to create jobs, impact local economies and compete successfully in domestic and global marketplaces. With a nationwide network of more than 40 business centers and strategic partners, MBDA assists minority entrepreneurs and business owners with consulting services, contract and financing opportunities, bonding and certification services, building business-to-business alliances and executive training.

Award Winners to presented at the luncheon

Minority Construction Firm of the Year – Classical & Innovative Designs, Inc., Miami, FL
Manufacturer of the Year – LEASA Industries Company, Inc., Miami, FL
Minority Service Firm of the Year – Aten Solutions, Inc., Cary, NC
Minority Technology Firm of the Year – Pencilworx Design Group (PDG), Atlanta, GA
Minority Supplier Distributor of the Year – Trillion Communications Corp., Birmingham, AL
Advocate of the Year – Morehouse College Entrepreneurship Center (MCEC), Atlanta, GA
Distinguished Supplier Diversity Award – AGL Resources, Atlanta, GA
Access to Capital Award – Birmingham Business Resource Center (BBRC), Birmingham, AL
Media Award – China Daily USA
Technology Award - Pencil Worx, Atlanta, GA

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Location:

  Hyatt Regency Hotel

Room:

Address:

  265 Peachtree St.

Phone:

  404 577-1234

City:

  Atlanta

State/Province:

  GA