MINORITY ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT WEEK

WASHINGTON – U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke will address the 27^th 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*

27^th 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 ckinder@doc.gov by 2:00 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, August 26^th 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.