Marketplace 2008 Returns to Milwaukee

Though a celebrated success, one of the most often heard comments at Marketplace 2007 was that it was somewhat problematic for many business owners and representatives to make the trip to Baraboo, the location of last year's Governor's Conference on Minority Business Development. Many of Wisconsin's Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) had a difficult time sending representatives to 2007's conference because with a small staff, sometimes consisting of only a handful of people or as few as a single individual, it is often vital that everyone be on hand to manage day-to-day business obligations. These business owners found it challenging to balance their desire to participate in the professional development and marketing opportunities available at Marketplace with their need to staff their business.

This dilemma will be eliminated for many this year when Marketplace 2008 returns to Milwaukee in October. Since the majority of the state's MBEs are concentrated in the Southeast region of Wisconsin, the Milwaukee location is paramount to ensuring that at least 60 percent of Marketplace attendees are MBEs—a goal for this year's conference. The recently appointed Director of the Bureau of Minority Business Development, Aggo Akyea, said, "Marketplace is targeted to minority vendors and it is our goal to ensure that a large number of our minority clientele are present at the conference to reap all of the benefits of this day-long program."

Marketplace 2008 is the premier MBE business capacity building conference of the year and an excellent opportunity for MBEs to showcase their unique products and services as well as network with other minority vendors. Marketplace caters to business owners at every level, from established Minority Businesses (MBEs), emerging MBEs and entrepreneurs at the start-up level, offering opportunities to meet with experts from a number of business-related industries.

At Marketplace, MBEs and entrepreneurs participate in professional development and capacity building seminars, panel discussions, and classroom exercises. Business owners can learn about small business resource agencies, explore the benefits of certification, and connect with both corporate supplier diversity managers and government buyers. Information will be available in September on variety of additional topics including non-traditional lenders, state and federal procurement, and international markets.

Also featured at this year's event will be an Awards and Networking Reception held on the evening of Wednesday, October 1, from 4-9 pm. During this event, sponsored by Wisconsin Business Development Finance Corporation, Commerce's Bureau of Minority Business will present awards in three categories: the Outstanding Minority Business – with two awards based on the business size; the Rising Star Award – for the most exciting and promising young company; the Good Citizen Award – to recognize an MBE's contribution to their community and to society. This year's Governor's Luncheon, held on October 2, will feature keynote speaker Mike Thompson, president and CEO of Fair Oaks Farms, LLC, and a Wisconsin-based certified MBE and supplier of quality custom meat products.

Marketplace 2008 is sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce's Bureau of Minority Business Development in addition to many other generous sponsors who help to make the event a success. For more information about Marketplace 2008 sponsorship opportunities or event registration please contact Kema Williams at (608) 267-9550 or kema.williams@wi.gov.

-- Gianna Taylor