During the week of October 1st-6th, 2006 local and state Small and Minority Business Offices came together to celebrate Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week in the Tallahassee area. This event focuses on the outstanding achievements and contributions made by minority businesses and the significant support given minority business development by government and the corporate community. MED week has been observed nationally sine 1981 when then President Ronald Regan designated the first full week of October as MED Week. Locally, this year was the 14th Annual observance.
*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 14th 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 Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. The MED Week committee
presented a beautifully framed *before and after* aerial photograph of the
recently completed Church that captured it*s unique cross-shaped structure to
Rev. Stanley Walker, Pastor.
On Monday The Capital City Chamber Of Commerce sponsored the kickoff networking reception where attendees were treated to the poetic readings of Edith Boston Smith of Denver Colorado. Tuesday marked the start of the actual program with the *Breakfast Of Champions*. Dr. Marvin Henderson, Asst. Superintendent Of Leon County Schools was the featured speaker. This event was followed by a day of informative and instructional workshops entitled, *Essentials of Conducting Business with The City Of Tallahassee,* *State Enterprise Zone Incentives*, *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. A *Local Business Leaders Panel Discussion* followed this workshop where the students had an opportunity hear first hand experiences from local business owners. That evening local Small and Minority Business program directors provided program updates to participants. The Thursday morning workshop was conducted by the Small Business Administration that conducted a workshop on *How To Bid/Developing Your Business with SBA Assistance.* 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. Lydia A.McKinley*Floyd, Dean of FAMU School Of Business and Industry give the keynote address. The event honored this year*s awardees, Rev. Clinton H. Smith of Smith Plumbing Service as the first *Minority Business Legend* recipient for over 37 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. Darryl E. Jones, Executive Director, Bethel Community Development Corporation. The MED Committee is looking forward to next year*s 15th Anniversary and hopes you will be able to attend!
On Monday The Capital City Chamber Of Commerce sponsored the kickoff networking reception where attendees were treated to the poetic readings of Edith Boston Smith of Denver Colorado. Tuesday marked the start of the actual program with the *Breakfast Of Champions*. Dr. Marvin Henderson, Asst. Superintendent Of Leon County Schools was the featured speaker. This event was followed by a day of informative and instructional workshops entitled, *Essentials of Conducting Business with The City Of Tallahassee,* *State Enterprise Zone Incentives*, *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. A *Local Business Leaders Panel Discussion* followed this workshop where the students had an opportunity hear first hand experiences from local business owners. That evening local Small and Minority Business program directors provided program updates to participants. The Thursday morning workshop was conducted by the Small Business Administration that conducted a workshop on *How To Bid/Developing Your Business with SBA Assistance.* 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. Lydia A.McKinley*Floyd, Dean of FAMU School Of Business and Industry give the keynote address. The event honored this year*s awardees, Rev. Clinton H. Smith of Smith Plumbing Service as the first *Minority Business Legend* recipient for over 37 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. Darryl E. Jones, Executive Director, Bethel Community Development Corporation. The MED Committee is looking forward to next year*s 15th Anniversary and hopes you will be able to attend!
Leann Watts
Williams ,M.A.S.S./P.A.
Economic Development Department/MBE Office
City of
Tallahassee
850.891.2034
850.891.2051
fax
www.talgov.com
"Bloom where you are
planted."