Minority Business Development Agency Announces 2008 National Award Winners

MED Week 2008 Convenes September 3-5 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel,
Washington DC
WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
As the 26th Annual MED Week Conference begins this week, the
Commerce Department's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA),
proudly announced the 2008 National Minority Enterprise Development
(MED) Week Award Winners.

"We're proud to recognize these minority-owned businesses and
their outstanding contributions to the U.S. economy," said MBDA
National Director Mr. Ronald N. Langston. "Through innovation,
collaboration and competitiveness these organizations continue to
reach high levels of business and community success - generating jobs,
creating wealth and introducing new products and services."

The awardees represent "best in class" as determined by an
independent panel of evaluators who considered the nominations from
across the United States. The companies will be recognized on Friday,
September 5 at the MED Week Conference Awards Gala held from 7:00 pm
to 10:00 pm at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.

The Award Winners include:

-- Access to Capital Award - James E. Young, President and CEO,
Citizens Trust Bank, Atlanta, Ga.

-- Lifetime Achievement Award - Fred Loya, Sr., President and
Owner, Fred Loya Insurance, El Paso, Texas.

-- National Minority Construction Firm of the Year - Tomas
Torres, Torres Construction, Los Angeles, Calif.

-- National Minority Exporter Firm of the Year - Mark Govin,
MarkMaster, Inc, Tampa, Fla.

-- National Minority Manufacturer of the Year - Anthony Tenorio,
CEO and President, A-Tech Corporation, Albuquerque, N.M.

-- National Minority Retail Firm of the Year - Craig Yeung,
Manager, Central Computers, Santa Clara, Calif.

-- National Minority Service Firm of the Year - Roy Roberts,
President and CEO, Alliance of Professionals & Consultants,
Inc., Raleigh, N.C.

-- National Minority Supplier/Distributor of the Year - Ralph E.
Brown, CEO, Trillion Communications Corporation, Bessemer,
Ala.

-- National Minority Technology Firm of the Year - Nancy E.
Scott, President, Powertek Corporation, Fairfax, Va.

-- Pioneer Awards - Nina Vaca, Chairman and CEO, Pinnacle
Technical Resources, Inc., Dallas, TX and James S. Whang,
Chairman and President, AEPLOG, Inc., Germantown, Md.

-- Youth Entrepreneurship Award - James E. Rose, Director of
Student Affairs, Arlington Independent School District,
Minority Youth Business Program, Arlington, Texas.

The National MED Week Conference is the largest federally
sponsored conference held on behalf of the minority business
enterprise community. MBDA, the only federal agency created to foster
the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in America,
organizes the event in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business
Administration and other partners to recognize the outstanding
achievements and contributions of minority business owners and
advocates, including the corporations and financial institutions that
support minority business development. The conference will also
provide a venue to discuss critical business issues and strategies to
foster the growth and competitiveness of the minority business
community.

MED Week top level sponsors include Dell, Northrop Grumman
Corporation, Raytheon Company, Chrysler, and the publishers of Black
EOE Journal, Hispanic Network Magazine, and Professional Women's
Magazine.

For more information or to register, please visit: medweek.gov

About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

MBDA (mbda.gov), U.S. Department of Commerce, serves minority
entrepreneurs across America who are building and growing enterprises.
MBDA helps minority-owned firms be better equipped to create jobs,
impact local economies and competing 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.

Minority Business Development Agency
Lahne Mattas-Curry, 202-482-4690
Fax: 202-219-8809
Email: lmattascurry@mbda.gov
Website: www.mbda.gov

Copyright Business Wire 2008