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National Minority Business Conference to Focus on Essential Role for Minority Businesses in Rebuilding the Economy - MEDWeek August 26-28, 2009


WASHINGTON (April 29, 2009) -- The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, will hold its 27th annual National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference, August 26-28 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. The Conference will focus on fostering innovation, competitiveness and opportunities for minority businesses to retool and rebuild America’s infrastructure under the the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. 

"In order to jumpstart our economy we need to continue to promote the growth and competitiveness of minority businesses," said MBDA’s Associate Director Edith McCloud. "Minority firms account for $661 billion in total annual receipts, employing close to 5 million in our country. The United States cannot afford to let these firms stagnate, or worse, fail. Minority entrepreneurs represent the future growth of our economy.” 

The Conference theme will be “Energizing the American Economy with Minority Business Enterprises.” In addition to the State of Commerce Luncheon and the Annual MED Week Awards Gala, the conference will feature a Business EXPO where entrepreneurs can network and share information.  Participants will also attend educational workshops and business networking events with representatives of MBDA, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other public and private partners. To learn more, please visit www.medweek.gov.

MBDA has prided itself on remarkable success over the last 40 years. Since 1983, the National MED Week Conference has grown from a gathering of a few hundred people to more than 1000 attendees.  Sponsors already committed to supporting the National MED Week Conference include Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

Leading up to National MED Week are regional events held in New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and San Francisco. For more information about MED Week, please call (888) 836-7647 or visit www.medweek.gov.

Nominations are also now being accepted for MBDA’s 2009 Excellence in Minority Business Awards. The awards are designed to recognize exemplary minority businesses and their accomplishments and best practices. For more information and to submit a nomination, please visit www.medweek.gov.

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.


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