Dept. of Commerce: Marketplace offers opportunities for minority-owned firms

Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661

MADISON—Minority-owned businesses seeking sales leads and development assistance should attend the 29th annual Marketplace Trade Fair, to be held Oct. 13 from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Country Springs Hotel and Conference Center, Pewaukee.

“Marketplace 2010 is a great opportunity for businesses to learn how to increase access to capital,” said Department of Commerce Secretary Aaron Olver. “It’s also a wonderful showcase for their unique products and services to government procurement officers and corporate buyers.”

This year’s keynote speaker is Maria A. Campbell, corporate director of diversity for SC Johnson, Racine, a leading manufacturer of household cleaning, storage, and insect control products. Campbell has held several management positions in the company over the past 20 years and developed a seven-tier strategic plan to be implemented at all levels within the organization. She has helped more than 35 other organizations benchmark best practices in diversity.

The following awards will be announced at the Marketplace luncheon on Oct. 13: Outstanding Minority Business (two awards based on business size to honor successful companies); Rising Star (honoring an emerging company that shows innovation and promise); and Good Citizen (honoring a company for community service).

Marketplace 2010 is the premier matchmaking and training event for minority-owned businesses seeking to sell to government and large corporate buyers. Marketplace attendees will have the opportunity to learn of small business resource agencies and programs; weigh the benefits of local, state and federal certification programs; and meet one-on-one with prospective buyers.

Online registration is at http://marketplace.wi.gov

For more information, contact the Bureau of Minority Business Development at 608/267-9550