Contact: Tom Thieding, 608-210-6767 tom.thieding@wedc.org
Link to Release: http://wedc.org/marketplace-pre-conference
MADISON, September 10, 2012 – Minority-owned businesses seeking sales leads and development assistance should attend the Marketplace 2012 Governor’s Conference on Minority Business Development Conference, Oct. 15-16 at the Potawatomi Expo Center in Milwaukee.
Marketplace 2012 is the premier matchmaking and training event for minority business enterprises, women-owned businesses and disabled veteran-owned businesses. 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.
“This year’s theme, Driving Innovation with Diversity, highlights the competitive asset from our minority-owned businesses that make Wisconsin a great place for business development and growth,” said Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Paul Jadin.
Sessions on Oct. 15 focus federal, state and local minority business certification and understanding the state’s bidding process. Helen McCain, Administrator of the Division of Enterprise Operations and former Director of the State’s Bureau of Procurement will share tips on the state’s procurement process. An evening networking reception will be hosted by Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefish, and will recognize minority-owned businesses that have been in business for 25 or more years.
Marketplace features a business expo on Oct. 16 and one-on-one sales meetings with state, federal and corporate buyers. Paul Jadin, CEO of WEDC, will be the guest speaker at the breakfast session. The Governor’s Outstanding Minority Business Awards will be presented during a luncheon on Oct. 16 to recognize successful and emerging minority-owned businesses.
Online registration is at http://www.MarketplaceWisconsin.com. For more information, contact the WEDC Bureau of Minority Business Development at (414) 302-2830 or info@MarketplaceWisconsin.com.
About Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), formed in 2011 as a public-private entity, leads economic development efforts for the state and nurtures business growth and job creation by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. In addition to the state’s strong legacy industries of agriculture and manufacturing, recent economic growth has occurred in multiple specialty sectors: water technology, renewable energy, bio-medical research and technology, healthcare systems, and food processing. In 2012 Wisconsin was ranked No. 20 in CEO Magazine’s “Best States for Business” list and No. 17 as a top state for business by CNBC. WEDC partners with more than 600 economic development organizations throughout the state to serve businesses looking to start, grow or relocate. WEDC has four core areas of focus: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation, and international business development. Visit wedc.org or follow WEDC on Twitter @_InWisconsin to learn more.
