Stephen Hayes Recognized for Increasing Trade Relations with Africa

Hayes to Receive the Ronald H. Brown Award for Leadership at MED
Week Conference
WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
As the 26th Annual MED Week Conference comes to a close, the
Commerce Department's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
proudly announced that the 2008 Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award will
be presented to Stephen Hayes, President and CEO of The Corporate
Council on Africa (CCA).

"We're proud to recognize Mr. Hayes for his commitment to
facilitating the commercial relationship between the United States and
the countries of Africa," said MBDA National Director Mr. Ronald N.
Langston. "In addition, Mr. Hayes realizes the power of investing in
Africa as a means of strengthening the global economy."

Since its inception, CCA, under Mr. Hayes leadership, has been at
the forefront as a source of the latest information on business across
Africa, working closely with governments, multilateral groups, and
businesses to improve the continent's trade and investment climate,
raise the profile of Africa in the U.S. business community, and most
importantly, work with CCA's member companies to increase U.S.
investment in Africa.

Mr. Hayes has spent nearly all of his adult life in the
international arena with an emphasis on diversity in his leadership
positions. CCA holds active leadership and coalition building
positions on nearly all U.S.-Africa trade matters as well as issues
relating to HIV/AIDS in Africa. CCA has also developed strong
public-private cooperation on U.S. policy towards Africa.

The Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award was inspired by the
outstanding leadership of the late U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Ronald
H. Brown. As the first African American to serve as the Department's
Secretary, he was a staunch advocate for diversity in American
business. The Award recognizes individuals who are willing to take
risks to achieve change and who have demonstrated exceptional
leadership by significantly enhancing the development of diversity in
the global marketplace.

The National MED Week Conference (medweek.gov) 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.

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
lmattascurry@mbda.gov
www.mbda.gov

Copyright Business Wire 2008