National Urban League Conference To Offer Tools To Survive & Thrive In Tough Economy

Contact: Amber Jaynes
212-558-5487
ajaynes@nul.org

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO OFFER TOOLS TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE IN TOUGH ECONOMY WITH LEADING EXPERTS, 100 RECRUITERS, ENTREPRENUER OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS
President Barack Obama Invited to Address Premiere Conference Showcasing Thought Leaders, Civic and Business Professionals from Urban America, Fortune 500 Company Career Fair

New York, NY– The National Urban League is gearing up to host over 10,000 participants at its annual conference from July 29 - August 1 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. As of one the most anticipated events of the summer, the National Urban League Conference is recognized as a leading event for networking, employment and entrepreneur opportunities by African American professionals. This year’s conference is particularly relevant as people seek opportunities and tools to survive and even thrive in today’s economy.

The conference’s theme “A Path to Power” will address many of the challenges faced by today’s economy through workshops geared toward career survival, jobs in the new green economy, keys to entrepreneurial success, home foreclosure prevention, financial management, improving education, healthcare reform and a new age of community activism.

“In these challenging times, the National Urban League Conference will be a powerful gathering of major thought leaders, companies, recruiters, entrepreneurs and community activists who will interact, share resources, create opportunities and discuss solutions that can empower people and communities nationwide,” said Marc H. Morial, President & CEO, National Urban League. “Chicago, known for its rich culture, dynamic activism and as a hub for Black-owned corporations, will serve as a prime venue for conference attendees searching for extraordinary networking opportunities.”

The 2009 National Urban League Conference, presented by Centene Corporation and McDonald’s, attracts national leaders from the corporate, political, philanthropic, and civil rights communities. Each year, the National Urban League annual conference features many of America's most dynamic and prominent leaders. Confirmed speakers include Secretary Arne Duncan/Department of Education, Lisa Perez Jackson/Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Jeff Johnson/BET, Rev. Al Sharpton, Benjamin Jealous/NAACP, Melissa Harris-Lacewell/Princeton University, Michelle Bernard/MSNBC, Sharon Epperson/CNBC News, Dr. Randal Pinkett, and Dr. Julianne Malveaux to name a few. President Barack Obama has been invited to address the conference on policy issues and many of the challenges confronting urban communities.

This year’s conference will feature a career fair with over 100 Fortune 500 companies and recruiters; top speakers in business, politics and academia; 350 exhibits; the "Young Professionals Summit" targeted to young professionals 21-44 years old; franchise and business development opportunities; free career coaching and interactive workshops.

The Chicago Urban League has worked to ensure that the city’s reputation as a breeding ground for many of America’s most successful urban entrepreneurs plays a role in the conference agenda. The host affiliate has partnered with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University to present a series of workshops on entrepreneurism, business management and financing for conference attendees. The business development track highlights the Chicago Urban League’s program expertise and focus on minority–owned business growth.

“This conference serves as a one-stop shop where people will have direct access to a cross section of industries, hands-on experts, job opportunities, policy makers and workshops providing key information and resources necessary to help overcome today’s tough economic times,” said Cheryle Jackson, President & CEO of the Chicago Urban League. “We also urge those who are interested in exchanging ideas, finding solutions and connecting to professional, community and personal networks, and who are also committed to fostering economic empowerment in their communities to register and attend.”

In addition to the day-time sessions, policy debates and workshops, conference attendees will also get the chance to experience spectacular Chicago nightlife and entertainment with a series of receptions and social events as well as a concert featuring En Vogue. Other highlights of the conference include the award ceremonies which honor individuals and organizations whose work and achievements have empowered communities, influenced the civil rights movement and/or influenced the next generation of African American leaders. The award ceremonies include “The Whitney M. Young, Jr., Gala,” “Women of Power Luncheon,” and “The McGowan Award” presented at the Guild Leadership Luncheon.

For more information and to register for the 2009 National Urban League conference, visit www.nul.org or call (212) 558-5386. For conference updates text NUL to 69866. Early bird registration ends May 30th.

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About the Chicago Urban League

Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League is a civil rights organization that empowers and inspires individuals to reach and exceed their economic potential. The Chicago Urban League supports and advocates for economic, educational and social progress for African-Americans through our agenda focused exclusively on economic empowerment as the key driver for social change. For more information, visit www.thechicagourbanleague.org.

About the National Urban League
Established in 1910, the National Urban League is the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. Today, the National Urban League, headquartered in New York City, spearheads the non-partisan efforts of its local affiliates. There are over 100 local affiliates of the National Urban League located in 36 states and the District of Columbia providing direct services to more than 1 million people nationwide through program, advocacy and research. Visit www.nul.org.