Advocacy and Outreach

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Congressional and Intergovernmental Outreach

The Office of Legislative, Education and Intergovernmental Affairs (OLEIA) serves as the focal point for the Agency’s Advocacy and Outreach program.  OLEIA is responsible for establishing and maintaining positive relations between the Agency and other government entities such as Members of Congress and their staffs, federal agencies, Governors, Mayors; and intergovernmental associations.  OLEIA coordinates the Agency’s congressional and intergovernmental outreach efforts and provides timely responses to inquiries or requests for information, reports, or other assistance from these entities.  This program tracks and monitors legislation impacting the minority business community and provides analytical, legislative/policy reports, as requested.

Manage Strategic Alliances

OLEIA is also responsible for managing strategic alliances with public and private sector organizations, trade associations, educational institutions, and business advocacy.  Activities include the hosting of stakeholder meetings and issue forums, and participation in stakeholder conferences, seminars and events.  From these alliances and partnerships, MBDA creates and expands programs, services and opportunities in support of minority business enterprises. 

Oversees the National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprise

As part of the Advocacy and Outreach program, OLEIA oversees the National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprise, an official federal advisory council.  The Council provides a formal venue for business leaders and stakeholders to evaluate, propose, and recommend national policies which affect minority business development to the Secretary of Commerce.  Other initiatives undertaken by OLEIA in support of this program include educational conferences and seminars such as the Minority Business Enterprise Summit and the National Minority Enterprise Development Week Conference.

Public Affairs

A significant component of the Advocacy and Outreach program, under the auspices of OLEIA, is the Agency’s public affairs, communications, marketing and branding activities.  This includes maintaining effective relationships with the media to promote the Agency’s programs, accomplishments and priorities; production of collateral materials; and content development and management of the Agency’s website and social media sites.  As the Agency’s executive secretariat, OLEIA processes all documents and correspondence directed to or issued by the Office of the National Director.

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