“MED Week provides us the opportunity to give special recognition to local entrepreneurs who have made outstanding contributions to Tallahassee, Leon County, and the surrounding communities”, said MED Week Chairman, Ben Harris. “We showcase successful businesses, help boost the confidence of future business owners and attempt to give them the tools they need to get started.”

The Big Bend MED Week Committee, the organization responsible for putting on this annual event is composed of individuals representing, the City Of Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida A & M University’s Small Business Development Center, Florida State University’s Office of Diversity Enhancement & Compliance, Tallahassee Community College, State of Florida Agencies (Department of Environmental Protection and Office of Supplier Diversity), and the Capital City Chamber of Commerce.

This year was the 15th Annual MED Week Celebration locally and it turned out to be one of the best ever. The celebration began with the Sunday Worship Service at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church of Tallahassee, Inc.

On Monday The Capital City Chamber Of Commerce sponsored the kickoff networking reception where attendees were able to meet and greet the honorees and other small business owners. 

Tuesday marked the start of a series of informative workshops entitled, Financing your Small Business, Writing Grant Proposals and Funding Sources for Non-Profits and ending with a Women in Business Forum.

Wednesday's workshops turned out to be the some of the week's highlights.   The day began with a Teen Entrepreneurial Workshop, which was attended by members of the Future Business Leaders Of America from Rickards High School.

The Thursday morning workshop was entitled The Price of Bidding and the afternoon session titled Business Matchmakers provided business owners an opportunity to meet one on one with state and local purchasing agents.

Friday was the biggest day of week when the "Recognition Luncheon" took Place. Over 250 people were in attendance to hear Dr. Brenda “BJ” Jarmon; Associate Professor & Chairperson of the Department of Social Work at Florida A&M University (FAMU) give the keynote address. The event honored this year’s awardees, Eddie Lee Randolph of Randolph Alterations & Dry cleaning as the “Minority Business Legend” recipient for over 36 years in business. The main award, the Reginald R. Rolle Award, given to the person selected as the “Economic Development Champion of the Year” was presented to Mr. Cory McFarlane, President/Owner of Aspirant Homes.

The MED Committee is looking forward to next year’s 16th Anniversary and hopes you will be able to attend!  For more information on the Minority Business Enterprise Office and its activities please call 850-891-8184.