Supporting the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizing October 5th through 7th as Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week which provides critical information to foster the growth and competitiveness of the minority business community.

WHEREAS, Since our Nation's founding, the United States has been a beacon of economic opportunity and limitless possibility; and

WHEREAS, During Minority Enterprise Development Week, we celebrate the millions of minority business owners whose firms generate jobs, strengthen our economy, and embody the entrepreneurial spirit of America; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia MED Week is part of a national observance begun in 1983 to recognize the outstanding achievements of minority business enterprises and to honor those corporations and financial institutions that support minority business development; and

WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, MED Week began as a three day event with three workshops and has grown to a full celebration of many successful workshops and awards reception for minority owned businesses with an ever growing number of sponsors to promote the great accomplishments of minority firms; and

WHEREAS, this year's MED Week events include a wide variety of sessions including workshops, entitled

Starting A New Business

,

Inclusion Works: Creating Opportunities And Building Businesses That Put People To Work

,

Strategies for the Successful Bidder

,

Bringing Your Business to the “App” World

,

The Highly Effective Habits of Advertising and Marketing, and

No risks, No Rewards… Gambling;

and

WHEREAS, Even in tough economic times, Americans hold the belief that anyone with a good idea and enough hard work can succeed and share those achievements with their employees and communities; and

WHEREAS, Today, we must continue to prioritize job and business creation as part of a sustained recovery that works for all Americans by supporting Minority-owned and operated enterprises in order to stabilize our economy now, and lay foundation for future economic growth and prosperity; and

WHEREAS, Small businesses in Philadelphia and across the country are the cornerstone of economic growth, creating two-thirds of net new jobs in the country and compromising a 50% of employment; and

WHEREAS, As America competes in the global economy, it is vital we capitalize on the dedication, creativity, and acumen shown by our minority business owners and their employees; now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby supports the National Minority

Business Development Agency

and recognizes October 5th through 7th as Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week which provides critical information to foster the growth and competitiveness of the minority business community.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia MED Week Committee as evidence of the strong support and sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End