Around Columbia
South Carolina Minority Enterprise Development Week to Have Strategic Sessions and Honor Several Minority-Owned Businesses and Supporters
COLUMBIA, SC - The MBDA Business Center will kick off their statewide Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week on October 16 and 17, with strategic sessions and an awards luncheon scheduled for October 17, 2012 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center from 9:00am to 4:05pm. The October 17 event is open to the public and participants can register at www.SCMEDWeek.com.
MED Week, an annual event proclaimed nationally by the President of the United States, is a week designated to celebrate the successes of minority entrepreneurs and those strategic partners who support them. The Center's project director Cheryl Salley says of the event, "We are excited to hear from teaming specialist, Mr. Ralph Thomas, III, Esq. during our MED Week program. A weakened economy, coupled with stricter federal guidelines, makes winning contracts more difficult now than ever. Mr. Thomas' presentations will show participants how to team or enter into joint ventures to help overcome these barriers."
Salley continued, "MED Week will also honor minority-owned businesses, professionals and advocates for their growth and entrepreneurial success."
The theme for the event is "Job Creation in America: Build it Here – Sell it Everywhere!" Thomas will present the morning and afternoon sessions which focus on the importance of teaming and joint ventures. Thomas is NASA's former associate administrator for small and disadvantaged business utilization and is a renowned strategic partnering specialist working with clients across the country.
The awards luncheon will honor several minority-owned businesses, professionals and advocates for their accomplishments and contributions in minority commerce. The featured luncheon speaker is The Honorable Anton Gunn, director of external affairs for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Intergovernmental and Extended Affairs.
Awardees include Research Technologies, Inc. (manufacturer of the year), Marbella's (retail firm of the year), U.S. General Services Administration (procurement award) and Fielding Home for Funerals (pioneer award). The luncheon will also pay tribute to the late Melvin Leroy Outen, Sr., founder of Outen Fencing Services.
These awardees highlight the best and the brightest in South Carolina's minority business community, as well as what can be accomplished through the assistance of the MBDA Business Center. For instance, Marbella's has worked closely with the Center to establish itself as a young retail firm specializing in fine hats and accessories. Through creative business strategies and strategic marketing, Marbella's has relocated to a better commercial area and is succeeding in its niche market.
Fielding Home for Funerals is another example of the tenacity and perseverance required to succeed as a minority-owned firm. A third-generation business, the Charleston-based funeral home celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. They will receive the pioneer award for this incredible accomplishment.
Furthermore, MED Week celebrates what minority-owned businesses contribute to society – such as job creation, revenue production and community service.
Join business leaders and political representatives from across the state. Register to attend MED Week at www.SCMEDWeek.com. The cost is $50.00 per participant.
For any questions or additional information, contact the MBDA Business Center – Columbia, SC at 803-743-1154.
About the MBDA Business Center – Columbia, SC
The MBDA Business Center – Columbia, SC provides services to increase the exposure and visibility of minority business enterprises. The Center's consulting services and strategies are designed to increase capital and contracting opportunities, as well as to help create new jobs in South Carolina's communities. Clients have access to contracting and procurement opportunities, bonding and financial services, strategic partnerships and networking connections and comprehensive marketing services. Complete information on the MBDA Business Center and its services can be found by visiting www.ColumbiaMBDACenter.com or by calling (803) 743-1154.
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