Supporting the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizing the 31st Anniversary of Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week during October 1-8, 2015, to celebrate the contributions of the minority business community and provide access to contract opportunities and capacity building resources essential to its continued growth and development.

WHEREAS, Since 1983, the U.S. President has proclaimed a Minority Enterprise Development Week observance known as National MED week to recognize the outstanding achievements of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and to acknowledge those corporations and financial institutions that support minority business development. Annual regional conferences and activities are organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Government Contracting and Business Development; and

WHEREAS, The MED Week celebration was started locally in Philadelphia in 1984 to promote minority owned businesses in the Philadelphia area. The organizers of the first MED Week activities were Barbara Daniel Cox, former Director of Mayor Wilson Goode's Women’s Commission and Bilal Abdul Qayyum, Assistant to the Deputy Director of the City Commerce Department; and

WHEREAS, The 31th Anniversary of MED Week is co-chaired by leaders of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE, The Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, The City of Philadelphia Commerce Department Office of Economic Opportunity, The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and The Minority Business Development Agency. For one week, business advocates from across the region will sponsor workshops and seminars showcasing an extraordinary portfolio of business owners and resource leaders who are gearing up for the Democratic National Convention. The MED Week Committee is proud to present this year’s theme, “PHL Center Stage: Building a Legacy of Opportunity”; and

WHEREAS, The 2015 MED Week celebration will acknowledge the progress that has been made, challenge business leaders to step up their role, and engage a broader commitment from our community to these businesses. It is time to pursue more aggressive business development goals. It is time to build a legacy using partnerships, strategic networks, and access to resources offered during MED Week. This annual event launches major contracting opportunities for businesses that are prepared to make the connections, market their capabilities, and deliver on their commitments throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia’s 2015 MED Week celebration features 26 major events hosted by 31 sponsors in 16 locations around the City. This year features a wide variety of topics such as “Doing Business with the EDs and MEDs”, the “PHL Airport 2015 Annual Business Opportunity Forum”, “Access to Capital/Meet the Lenders,” “Doing Business with DHS and their Affiliates”, “What Your Banker Isn’t Telling You”, Secrets of the Goldman Sachs Scholars, the CEO Series, and much more.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby supports the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizing the 31st Anniversary of the Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Week, held October 1-8, 2015, placing PHL minority businesses at center stage as we pursue economic growth and prosperity for our community.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed 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.

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