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Register for State's Premier MBE Event - Marketplace 2008, October 2 in Milwaukee
For Immediate Release: September 17, 2008 MADISON - Expanding business opportunities for the state's Minority-owned companies is the focus of Marketplace 2008", the 27th Annual Governor's Conference on minority Business Development, which will be held on October 2, 2008 at the Wyndham Milwaukee Airport & Convention Center in Milwaukee. The event will also recognize the winners of the 2008 Wisconsin Minority Business Awards at the Governor's awards luncheon. "Marketplace 2008 is a great opportunity for businesses to learn how to increase access to capital," said Commerce Deputy 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 Mike Thompson, president and CEO of Fair Oaks Farms, LLC. Thompson is a veteran of the McDonald's system for over 20 years holding various positions in supply chain and operations for the fast food giant. In 2003, Thompson acquired Fair Oaks Farm, LLC a Wisconsin-based supplier of par-cooked sausage, bacon and other meat products. Thompson earned his degree in Business Management and Economics from Cornell University and most recently attended business leadership training programs at Harvard Business School and Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. "Mike has a great story to tell," said Minority Business Bureau Director Aggo Akyea. "He has become a tremendous success in part by keeping sight of his main goal - which is to grow his business while contributing to his community." Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet and speak with the new Commerce Secretary, Richard "Dick" Leinenkugel. Marketplace will be one of his first public appearances during his first official week on the job. Marketplace attendees will have the opportunity, among other things, to learn of small business resource agencies and programs; weigh the benefits of local, state and federal certification programs; meet one-on-one with buyers wishing to increase their minority spend; learn about selling products and services to the state, federal prime contractors and international markets; talk with a number of non-traditional lenders; develop a business advisory panel and have great networking opportunities with other minority vendors, supplier diversity managers and representatives fro business and resource agencies. For more information about Marketplace 2008, or to register go to the Marketplace website - http://marketplace.wi.gov. -30- |
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