From Sunday, September 12th through Monday, the 20th, The Design Group will present the Little Rock Regional Chamber's 28th Annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, the purpose of which is to celebrate and grow minority businesses in the Little Rock region.
The week will be presented in partnership with Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, Bank of the Ozarks, State Farm and City of Little Rock.
"It is our pleasure to present the Chamber's 2010 MED Week, an important tool in fostering minority business development and growth in our region," said Myron Jackson, CEO of The Design Group and a member of the Chamber's Board of Directors. "Additionally, the week offers an opportunity to pause and applaud many of our community's minority business champions."
The "week" features multiple events over nine days, beginning on Sunday, September 12th and culminating with the Little Rock Regional Minority Business Awards Luncheon presented and hosted by Philander Smith College on Monday, September 20th. The lunch will feature Little Rock-based Fashion Designer and Project Runway Runner-up Korto Momolu, fresh from unveiling her Spring 2011 Collection in New York Fashion Week.
For more information about MED Week, including award nomination information (Business, Entrepreneur, Supporting, Legacy) and sponsorship opportunities, contact Carmen Parks, 377.6013.
The Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce has been a partner in the area's MED Week since its inception in 1983. In 1990, the Chamber assumed responsibility for all local programming.
All MED Week events, even if free, require reservations, which must be made/purchased separately and in advance by registering online. Scheduled Chamber and Chamber Member events include (in chronological order):
Sunday, September 12th
Celebración del Grito de Independencia (Member Event)
Presented by Consulado de México
2:00 - 8:00 pm
Clinton Presidential Center & Park
Monday, September 13th
MED Week Business Opportunity Brunch
Presented by U.S. Small Business Administration
Featuring Tastes of the Rock with Ethnic and Women Chefs from 1620 Restaurant & Catering, B-Side, Fatsam's Cafe, Java Roasting Express and Las Palmas III
Moderated by Pamela Smith (KATV - Channel 7)
10:00 – 11:30 am, Chamber Building
Admission: Free with Online Reservation
All woman and minority business owners/principals in the region are encouraged to attend to forge and deepen business relationships, while discovering the benefits of membership in the state's largest business organization.
Make Reservation(s) Now
Tools for Small Business
Presented by U.S. Small Business Administration
12:00 - 2:00 pm, Chamber Building
Admission: Free with Online Reservation
Make Reservation(s) Now
Tuesday, September 14th
MED Week Speed Networking
Presented by Webster University
4:00 – 5:30 pm, Chamber Building
Admission: $10 with Online Reservation (Limit One Per Business/Organization); Free with Online Reservation (Chamber Members Joining Since June 14, 2010)
Modeled on speed dating, where singles have the opportunity to meet one another in a structured, low pressure environment, the event empowers up to 30 member businesses/organization representatives to meet 30 others, one-on-one, in less than an hour. Reception Follows.
Make Reservation Now
Thursday, September 16th
¡Hola! Arkansas Career and Business Expo (Member Event)
Governor's Hall II, Statehouse Convention Center
For more information, www.hola-arkansas.com
MED Week Hispanic Business Opportunity Brunch
Presented by Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C.
In Partnership with Arvest Bank
In Conjunction with ¡Hola! Arkansas Career and Business Expo
9:00 – 10:30 am, Governor's Hall II, Statehouse Convention Center
Admission: Free with Online Reservation
All Hispanic business owners/principals in the region are encouraged to attend. Each will have :30 seconds to introduce themselves and their respective businesses (in English or en Español) to the group, then adjourn to forging and deepening business relationships, while discovering the benefits of membership in the state's largest business organization over a continental brunch.
Make Reservation(s) Now
Introduction of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXVI
Presented by Delta Trust & Banking Corp
Hosted by Governor's Mansion
4:00 pm
Reception Immediately Following
Monday, September 20th
MED Week Little Rock Regional Minority Business Awards Luncheon
Presented & Hosted by Philander Smith College
Featuring Korto Momolu (Little Rock-based Designer, Project Runway Runner-up)
11:30 – 1:00 pm, Philander Smith College
Kendall Nugent Conference Center
Admission: $25 Chamber and Prospective Members with Online Reservation; $250 Reserved, Priority-Seating Table of Ten (10), with Business/Organization Sign
Celebrate the conclusion of MED Week while honoring deserving minority businesses, entrepreneurs and supporting businesses/organizations.
Make Reservation(s) Now
Wednesday, September 22nd
Mexico-Arkansas Business Relationship: Existing and Potential (Member Event)
Presented by Consulado de México
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Donald W. Reynolds College of Business