National Minority Business Conference To Focus on Essential Role for Minority Businesses in Rebuilding the Economy

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), an agency of the U.S.
Department of Commerce, will hold its 27th annual National Minority Enterprise
Development (MED) Week Conference, August 26-28 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in
Washington, D.C. The Conference will focus on fostering innovation,
competitiveness and opportunities for minority businesses to retool and rebuild
America`s infrastructure under the The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"In order to jumpstart our economy we need to continue to promote the growth and
competitiveness of minority businesses," said MBDA`s Associate Director Edith
McCloud. "Minority firms account for $668 billion in total annual receipts,
employing close to 5 million in our country. The United States cannot afford to
let these firms stagnate, or worse, fail. Minority entrepreneurs represent the
future growth of our economy."

The Conference theme will be "Energizing the American Economy with Minority
Business Enterprises." In addition to the State of Commerce Luncheon and the
Annual MED Week Awards Gala, the conference will feature a Business EXPO where
entrepreneurs can network and share information. Participants will also attend
educational workshops and business networking events with representatives of
MBDA, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other public and private
partners. To learn more, please visit www.medweek.gov.

MBDA has prided itself on remarkable success over the last 40 years. Since 1983,
the National MED Week Conference has grown from a gathering of a few hundred
people to more than 1000 attendees. Sponsors already committed to supporting the
National MED Week Conference include Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

Leading up to National MED Week are regional events held in New York City,
Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and San Francisco. For more information about MED Week,
please call (888) 836-7647 or visit www.medweek.gov.

Nominations are also now being accepted for MBDA`s 2009 Excellence in Minority
Business Awards. The awards are designed to recognize exemplary minority
businesses and their accomplishments and best practices. For more information
and to submit a nomination, please visit www.medweek.gov.

About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

Promoting Competitive Business Growth for 40 Years - 1969-2009

MBDA, www.mbda.gov, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, celebrates
40 years of promoting business growth for minority businesses. In doing so,
minority-owned firms are 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.

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

Copyright Business Wire 2009