WHEREAS, Since 1983, the U.S. President has proclaimed a National MED (Minority Enterprise Development) Week observance to recognize the outstanding achievements of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and to honor those corporations and financial institutions that support minority business development. Annual regional conferences and activities are organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce 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 honor and 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, former Assistant Deputy Director of the City Commerce Department; and
WHEREAS, The 32nd Anniversary of Philadelphia MED Week is sponsored by corporations, hospitals, local colleges and universities, local and regional government agencies and organizations that are committed to supporting opportunities for minority businesses, including the African American Chamber of Commerce, Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the City of Philadelphia Commerce Department, and the MBDA Business Center of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Small businesses in Philadelphia and across the country are the cornerstone of economic growth, creating two-thirds of new jobs in the country and comprising 50% of America’s employment. The sources of capital, technical resources, and contracting opportunities are essential to the development, growth, and prosperity of minority businesses. MED Week will host some of the most prominent contracting organizations and resource providers that stand for the success of the small business community; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia MED Week has grown exponentially since its inception. This year’s celebration includes over 40 sponsors offering more than 30 workshops, seminars and networking opportunities across the region including: “There is Money Out There – How to Get It,” “Doing Business with EDs and MEDs,” “PHL Airport 2016 Annual Business Opportunity Forum,” and “Lighting of the Torch”; 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 2 through October 8, 2016 as Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, which provides critical information, resources, opportunities and inspiration to foster a clear trajectory for growth and sustainability in the minority business 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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