MED Week 2008 encourages partnerships, alliances

Minority Enterprise D e v e l o p m e n t Week has been an annual event since President Ronald R e a g a n ’s proclamation in 1983. Each successive president has followed suit - effectively signifying the importance of minority businesses to the economy. Considering the nation’s changing demographics, this proclamation has never rung truer.

With DFW International Airport serving as the event’s signature sponsor, the annual 11-state regional conference will take place Aug. 19 in Dallas. Themed The Power of Strategic Alliances in the Global Economy, MED Week 2008 addresses a crucial concept as minority businesses continue to pursue opportunities in an increasingly competitive business landscape.

“This year’s theme sends the message that you can’t do it alone - you can’t do it solo,” said Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Dallas Regional Director John Iglehart. “You need alliances, you need partners, you need a network of supporters, and you need a network of resources if you want to be successful.”

Iglehart has been a member of the MBDA team since 1972 and has been passionately involved with MED Week since its inception. “Minority businesses struggle and sacrifice year in and year out,” he said. “MED Week allows successful minority businesses to have their days in the sun and to be saluted for their contributions. I am proud to be one of many who pay tribute to them each year. It lets minority businesses and the American people know that their contributions, hard work and sacrifices are duly appreciated.”

Goal oriented

Iglehart’s goal for the 2008 event is twofold. First, he hopes MED Week recognizes and pays tribute to outstanding minority businesses throughout the 11-state  region. Second, MED Week is a crucial networking event for all minority business enterprises who want to do business with corporate America as well as the government sector.

Of course, achieving event goals relies significantly upon MWBE attendance. According to DFW International Airport MWBE liaison and MED Week co-chair Felix Galan, attendees need to understand that MED Week provides access to valuable contracting opportunities in the DFW Metroplex as well as in the 11-state region. “The attendees will benefit by networking and becoming informed of upcoming work with government agencies at this regional event,” Galan said.

Don McKneely, Business News Group founder and chairman and MED Week steering committee member, echoed Galan’s sentiments, adding that the annual event is an outstanding opportunity for minority business owners to network with other diverse suppliers, government entities and major corporations. “This event is very beneficial in promoting the economic advantages and contributions of minority business enterprises to the broader community,” he said.

Real benefits

Efficiency is one of the differentiating factors for this year’s event, McKneely explained. “This year’s workshops have been tailored to meet the current market trends and imperatives,” he said.

“In addition, event timing has been condensed, and many of the programs have been consolidated to give the MBE the maximum opportunity to take advantage of all programming activities.”

MED Week 2008 will feature workshops that effectively address the issues facing all levels of MBE revenue from start-up to mature. For instance, one workshop will focus on sustain-ability for MBEs’ continued growth.

While many similar events are hyped to attract attention and encourage participation, MED Week truly delivers on its claims. McKneely said that MED Week is one of the two major events annually that focuses specifically on bringing the multi-ethnic minority community together in an effort to increase minority business start-up, growth and development.

“Corporations should attend to identify possible supplier opportunities and to also support corporate social responsibility and corporate citizenship,” he said. “Likewise, minority business owners should seize this opportunity to expand relationships with public and private sector entities while, at the same time, taking advantage of the various workshops, sessions and educational forums that will give them competitive edge in the marketplace.”