'Rising Above a Dynamic Economy' - 29th Annual Michigan Minority Procurement Conference, May 4-6, 2010 Cobo Center

DETROIT, May 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While most focus on the challenges facing Michigan's economic future, there are a group of 1,200 businesses that are focused on results and excited about the tremendous opportunities ahead. That is the message of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council's (MMSDC) 29th annual Michigan Minority Procurement Conference, May 4-6, Cobo Conference Center. This is the largest minority business enterprise (MBE) trade fair of its type in the nation, bringing together diverse suppliers and major corporations from several industries.

Themed "Rising Above A Dynamic Economy," Tuesday, May 4 is registration and set up and Wednesday, May 5 features professional development seminars with leading business experts and nationally renowned speakers including: best-selling author David McNally; Nipa Shah, Jeneys Group; David Boonie, Verizon; Ann M. Harten, Haworth; Sidney Johnson, Delphi; Anthony Tomczak, DTE Energy; and Allan K. Lund, UHY Advisors Michigan.

Thursday's schedule begins with an 8:45 a.m. ribbon-cutting to open the trade fair in Cobo's Wayne Hall. Cutting the ribbon will be Tony Brown, MMBDC Chairman of the Board, Group Vice President, Global Purchasing, Ford Motor Company; Robert Ficano, Wayne County Executive; Fred Hegan, Takata Senior Vice-President, and MMSDC officials. The trade fair opens at 9 a.m. in conjunction with the presentation of a plan to help move Michigan's economy forward.

From noon-1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 6 is a Power Lunch with Dr. Melvin Gravely, founder of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Thinking, the leading think tank on issues related to minority business development. The Power Lunch is sponsored by Ford Motor Company.

This conference is the platform for minority businesses and corporations to create opportunities for economic growth and to collectively "Rise Above a Dynamic Economy." The professional development sessions and trade fair will help open new doors of opportunity for minority businesses trying to navigate the rapid changes. "The conference will serve as the voice for our minority business owners, the billions of dollars they contribute to our communities and the 200,000 employees that depend on them. "Not only are these businesses important to Michigan's economy, but they represent the hope of thousands of families," according to Louis Green, President and CEO of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council.

Takata is the official conference and trade fair sponsor. Other event sponsors include General Motors, Honda, Toyota and DTE. Complete two-day registration is $300 and includes admission for one to the opening session, participation in the professional development sessions, power lunch, trade fair and afterglow. For more information call (313) 873-3200.

About MMSDC

Founded in Detroit in 1977, the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (formerly known as the Michigan Minority Business Development Council) has more than 1,200 certified minority businesses and over 300 corporate members working to further its mission to certify minority businesses; provide access to procurement opportunities; and develop capacity for minority business development. MMSDC is a 501(c) (3) organization. Proceeds from this event support MMSDC programs and services and are tax deductible.

The MMSDC is nationally recognized for its work with major corporations to promote minority business development and growth. MMSDC also operates one of the Minority Business Enterprise Centers (MBEC) funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce. MBEC provides rapid growth-potential minority businesses the "keys to entrepreneurial success" through access to markets, capital and strategic consulting. Visit the MMSDC's web site to learn more about these programs and services at www.MMBDC.com.  

SOURCE Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council