Department of Commerce (Commerce) Secretary Mary P. Burke recently announced that Ruby J. Brooks has been appointed Commerce Director of the Bureau of Minority Business Development.

Ruby Brooks, Director of Minority Business Development

"Ruby Brooks brings a wealth of business experience that specifically focuses on women, minorities, and small businesses," Secretary Burke said. "Brooks has not only started her own business and worked in both the public and private sectors, but has been recognized as an advocate for minority business development. She will be a tremendous asset to my management team as we work together to grow the Wisconsin economy."

In 2000, Brooks founded Business Educational Consortium, Inc. in Milwaukee and served as president. Her start-up company educates, analyzes, and certifies women, minority and disadvantaged owned businesses for the purpose of securing procurement opportunities with the private and public sector.

For the previous five years, she served as the Business Development Manager for Ameritech/SBC. Brooks has a Masters of Education from Cardinal Stritch University and a BA in Professional Communications from Alverno College.

- Tony Hozeny

The newsletter is issued electronically every other month.

Please send comments or questions to Barbro McGinn, editor.