U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, MBDA National Director David Hinson and Earvin “Magic” Johnson to discuss minority entrepreneurship and creating viable business growth
WASHINGTON, Monday, August 24, 2009 – U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke will address the 27th Annual National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference on Thursday, August 27. The conference, hosted by the Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), August 26-28, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. The conference is part of the Commerce Department’s efforts to ensure minority businesses play a key role in the nation’s economic recovery. Participants will learn about strategies to foster innovation and competitiveness, and about opportunities for minority businesses to retool and rebuild America’s infrastructure.
Conference attendees will include hundreds of minority business owners from across the country.
In addition to Locke, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, NBA legend and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises will also address the conference, telling his personal story of business growth and speaking about how to:
- Develop an entrepreneurial vision and sense of mission
- Choose a business that engages all of your talents and interests
- Grow a business through partnerships and joint ventures
- Listen to customers and serving their needs
Other key speakers will be:
- MBDA’s National Director David Hinson
- SBA Administrator Karen Mills
- Edward DeSeve, Special Advisor to the President, Assistant to the Vice President and Special Advisor to OMB, Director for Implementation of the Recovery Act
- Van Jones, Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation White House Council for Environmental Quality
- Aubyn Thomas, SVP, Marketing Service, Corporate Services at Macy’s Inc.
- Derek Dingle, SVP and Editor-in-Chief, Black Enterprise
- Joseph James, President, Agri-Tech Producers, LLC
- Kimberly Woodard, Director, National Government Relations, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Minority entrepreneurs play an essential role in rebuilding the American economy, especially during extraordinary economic challenges. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, build strategic alliances, and hear from leaders in government, corporate executives and successful minority firms. Participants will learn how to access government contracts – specifically with ARRA – and access necessary capital through workshops and sessions.
MED WEEK SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
WHERE: Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
Regency Ballroom
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27:
A Look Ahead: “New Direction from MBDA National Director” (David Hinson)
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. EDT
Regency Ballroom
Media call time: 8:15 a.m.
Opening Session: “Energizing the American Economy with Minority Businesses” (Magic Johnson)
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. EDT
Regency Ballroom
Media call time: 8:45 a.m.
Press Conference: David Hinson, MBDA National Director and “Magic” Johnson, Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. EDT
Calvert Room
Media call time: 9:30 a.m. *open press*
Panel Discussion: “Energizing the American Economy with Minority Businesses Pt.II”
(Black Enterprise, Agri-Tech Producers, Macy’s Inc., Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.)
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. EDT
Regency Ballroom
Media call time: 9:15 a.m.
State of Commerce: U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke
12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT
Media call time: 11:45 a.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28:
From the White House to Main Street: “The New Administration and Your Business” (Karen Mills, Edward DeSeve and Van Jones)
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. EDT
Regency Ballroom
Media call time: 8:15 a.m.
SBA Administrator’s Luncheon: (Karen Mills)
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT
Regency Ballroom
*Closed press - for paid registrants only*
27th Annual Excellence in Minority Business Awards Gala
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. EDT
Regency Ballroom
*Closed press - for paid registrants only*
RSVP: Press should RSVP to Charmion Kinder at [email protected] by 2:00 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, August 26th at 2:00 p.m. Press may also RSVP by calling the MBDA Public Affairs Office at (202) 482-4690.
About MBDA
MBDA serves minority entrepreneurs across America who are building and growing enterprises. The agency helps minority-owned firms become 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. For more information about MBDA visit www.mbda.gov. For more information about MED Week visit www.medweek.gov.
###
MBDA Contact
Nick Kimball, 202-482-4883,
[email protected]
Lahne Mattas-Curry, 202-482-4690
[email protected]