Marketplace 2009 to Showcase Wisconsin Minority Business Awards - Apply Now!

For Immediate Release: June 3, 2009
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661

MADISON - Wisconsin Minority businesses will not want to miss the opportunity to receive recognition as one of the state's top minority-owned businesses in its annual Outstanding Minority Business awards.

"If your business has reached the pinnacle of success, or you wish to be recognized for your remarkable accomplishments and/or outstanding contributions to your community then a self-nomination and completion of the award application is strongly encouraged," said Department of Commerce (Commerce) Secretary Richard J. Leinenkugel. "This is a tremendous way to showcase your - or someone else's company."

There are three award categories: 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 that gives back to society). If you know a minority business that should be considered for a minority business award category, nominations will be accepted through July 12.

Each nominee will be asked to complete a application and from now until August 1, the Commerce Bureau of Minority Business Development is accepting applications for the 2009 Minority Business Awards.

Either nominating a minority business or self-nominating your own business is easy by completing the on-line application available at http://marketplace.wi.gov/. From this website you can hear testimonial from last year's awards winners and finalists.

The top three award finalists in each category will be invited to the Marketplace Reception held on September 15 at the Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center, Pewaukee, where the winners will be announced. The award category winners will receive special recognition at the September 16th Marketplace luncheon and receive publicity to recognize their achievements.

Marketplace 2009 is the premier matchmaking and training event for minority-owned businesses seeking to sell to government and large corporate buyers. For information on the awards application process contact Carol Dunn at 608-267-0297 or carol.dunn@wi.gov.

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