THE TENNESSEAN

BUSINESS SECTION E

Minority businesses are conference’s focus

MEDWeek takes look at problems, solutions

By: Lisa Benavides, Staff Writer

Date: Tuesday, September 27, 1999

Minority businesses are conference’s focus

By Lisa Benavides

Staff Writer

Expanding business contracts and discussing local revitalization efforts are on the agenda for this week’s Minority Enterprise Development Week.

The annual event, put on by local sponsors and the nonprofit Nashville Minority Business Center, is designed to bring corporations, government agencies and minority business owners together.

"We want all minority business owners to take advantage of this opportunity to meet and develop relationships with the decision makers in Middle Tennessee’s major corporations and government agencies and other small businesses," said Marilyn Robinson, executive director of the Nashville Minority Business Center.

The schedule of events includes:

9-11 a.m. today - "Jubilee Restaurant: The Art of the Deal," a seminar on this successful Jefferson Street business venture, at Regal Maxwell House Hotel, 2025 Metrocenter Blvd.

Noon-2 p.m. today - "Report to the Community Leadership Luncheon," at Regal Maxwell House Hotel, 10th floor. Free to minority business owners and two guest, cost to others is $15.

3-7 p.m. today-Vendor diversity forum, which provides assistance in responding to government contract proposals and advice on being included in the bidding process, at the BellSouth auditorium, BellSouth Building. 6-9 p.m. tomorrow - "Building a Better Banking Relationship," at the Club House Inn & Conference Center, 920 Broadway.

7 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday - 10th annual Golf Scramble, Ted Rhodes Golf Course, 1901 Ed Temple Blvd.

6-9 p.m. Wednesday - "Meet the Presidents Contractors Forum," BellSouth auditorium, BellSouth building.

8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday - Meeting for Small Business Administration 8(a) contractors on electronic commerce and federal contracting, BellSouth auditorium, BellSouth Building.

1:30-3:30 p.m. Thursday - "Y2K : Are You Ready" at the BellSouth auditorium.

5-7 p.m. Thursday "A Salute to Minority Business: Appreciation Reception," at the Regal Maxwell House Hotel.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday - Annual Community Health Festival, Tennessee State University, Avon Williams downtown campus.

7-11:30 p.m. Saturday - "Dr. R.H. Boyd Minority Business Achievement Awards Gala," aboard the General Jackson. Cost $150

Sponsors of Minority Enterprise Development Week are Access Health Systems Inc., Shoney’s Inc., and radio stations WVOL, WPLN, WQQK.

All events are free, unless noted. For more information or to make reservations for any of these events, call 255-0432.