For immediate release
Contact: Dr. Cynthia Johnson
MED Week Chairman
(727) 464-7445

The Tampa Bay Region's Minority Enterprise Development Week will be held from September 11-14, 2007, at the Crowne Plaza Tampa Sabal Park 10221 Princess Palm Ave., Tampa, FL 33610 - This year's MED WEEK theme is "Celebrating the Legacy of Business Innovation and Competitiveness".

MED WEEK promotes economic development and education for minority business owners. The event includes a business matchmaker and trade show and seminars on topics such as establishing relationships with buyers, how to do business with government and the private sector, how to price goods and services, as well as marketing and technology.

Since 1983, the U.S. President has proclaimed a National MED Week observance to recognize the outstanding achievements of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and to honor those corporations and financial institutions that support minority business development. Annual regional conferences and activities are organized through local small business development centers and minority business enterprise agencies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Office of Government Contracting and Business Development. These activities culminate at the National MED Week Conference in Washington, D.C. This event provides a unique forum to address the major issues affecting the growth and development of MBEs.

Minority Enterprise Development Corporation of Tampa Bay, Inc. and the MED Week Planning Conference Committee is a partnership of public, private, and non-for-profit agencies representing Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk Counties. The purpose of the conference is to enhance business opportunities while strategically developing the necessary tools for business growth. This joint public-private sector event highlights the significant contributions made by (MBE's) in the Tampa Bay area and focuses on empowering minority business leaders to be key stakeholders in diversifying the economy. Last year's conference drew over 400 participants who took advantage of the opportunities for networking, business training, and the interactions with various governmental procurement officers and industry representatives.

You can find information on MED Week's scheduled activities and events on the MED WEEK website, www.medcorp-tb.org. You may also contact the Pinellas County Business Development Center at (727)453-7200 or visit our website at www.PCED.org.