The schedule for 36th annual Little Rock Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, which will be held Sept. 10-13, has been announced.
MED Week starts off with the Minority Business Awards luncheon on Monday, Sept. 10, at the Kendall Nugent Conference Center, at Philander Smith College. The luncheon will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the keynote speaker will be Ronnie Dedman, President of AT&T Arkansas.
At the luncheon, awards will be presented in several categories, including Minority-Owned Emerging Business of the Year, Minority-Owned Business of the Year, Minority Business Support Organization of the Year and Minority-Owned Legacy Business of the Year.
On Tuesday, Sept. 11, the Mosaic Templars Museum will host “Innovations and Libations,” a networking and educational event that pays tribute to African American businesses. In addition, African American artisans based in Arkansas will be highlighted, and merchandise ranging from jewelry to scarves to bath products will be featured. “Innovations and Libations” will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., and light refreshments will be available.
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise will host the 2018 Arkansas Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Matchmaking Event on Thursday, Sept. 13. Designed to give minority and women professionals an opportunity to network, the event will feature over 300 small businesses and purchasing professionals. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. To register, e-mail info@mybusinessmatches.com.
Also on Thursday, the Hispanic Business Committee of the Little Rock Chamber will host the Networking Fiesta from 5 to 7 p.m., at Club 27. The event will feature dance lessons and authentic Argentinian food.
MED Week is designed to bring together private and public sector officials, corporate and government administrators and coordinators, political leaders, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to share information on key business issues and create, execute and deliver business opportunities. MED Week represents a moment to reflect upon and celebrate the critical role that minority businesses play in the regional economy. As the region’s largest chamber and business growth organization the Little Rock Regional Chamber invites everyone to participate in these exciting events.
All MED Week events, even if free, require reservations which must be made/purchased separately and in advance at LittleRockChamber.com.
For more information about MED Week, including awards luncheon tables and sponsorship opportunities, contact Calli Turner at 501-377-6027.
