"Forward to the Future: The Minority Business Enterprise – A National Priority”
Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week 2004

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed September 13-16, 2004 as Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. This national event recognizes the outstanding achievements of minority business enterprises.

Cynthia Johnson, Senior Manager of Business Assistance for Pinellas County Economic Development and a MED Week Committee Member encourages local companies and entrepreneurs to participate in MED Week 2004. “MED Week is an excellent opportunity for local companies to increase their customer base,” Johnson stated. “The four-day conference features seminars, workshops, and networking activities designed to expand local Minority Business Enterprises (MBE)’s and facilitate relationships between corporations and public organizations.”

As part of the MED Week Conference, Pinellas County Economic Development will host a seminar discussing contract law and partnerships.  The seminar, jointly presented by Kurt Forster, Coordinator of the Pinellas County Business Development Center, and Attorney Guliene Theodore, will explore the benefits of partnering and the importance of understanding the fine print. Participants will learn to identify elements of an effective contract and garner insights on forming partnerships with general contractors, government agencies and other industry sectors. “Through this seminar, we hope to connect the business community with law firms and government organizations, so that these groups can work together more efficiently to achieve their goals,” Forster said.

All events will be held at the Tampa Convention Center.  Seminar admission is free and all Tampa Bay area businesses are invited to attend.  For a compete listing of events, visit www.tampabaymedweek.org or call the Pinellas County Business Development Center at (727) 453-7200.

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