Upcoming Events

Plan on attending one of the longest-running, valuable, cooperatively-sponsored Networking Meetings in Greater Kansas City.

For over 16 years, the monthly Kansas City Networking Breakfast has been a venue that allows businesses to connect with those who can provide opportunities for them to grow.

It is held the first Tuesday of each month, at 7:15 a.m. at the Sheraton Hotel Sports Complex located at I-70 and Blue Ridge Cutoff and sponsored by over 25 business organizations, governmental agencies and nonprofit business development groups.

With over 120 people attending each month, the Breakfast offers small, women-owned, minority-owned, HUBZone, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses exposure to other small and large businesses, business development organizations, school districts and universities, as well as local, state and federal agencies.

Everyone is given the opportunity to introduce themselves by category, so you'll know who attended at the end of the Breakfast. Prior to that, though, up to 10 persons are given the opportunity to give a "2-minute"
presentation (once every 12 months).

Plan on attending the Breakfast for some great networking, good food, and long-lasting relationships.

On-line registration and listings of attendees for past months is available
at: http://r6.gsa.gov/breakfast/ or call (816. 926-7203).
 
May 2008
 

 

 

SBA LOAN S E M I NAR

A two-hour seminar in which participants will have an opportunity to become familiar with several SBA loan programs including the 7(a) and 504 loan programs. Hosted by the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC). For more information, contact the SBDC at (314) 241-1511 or register online by logging onto http://Missouri.ecenterdirect.com/conferencelist.asp.

• May 13, 1-3 pm Harris-Stowe State U. Library, 3026 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, MO
 

Matchmaking Conference

Go one-on-one with government and large prime contractors

May 14, 2008

8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Four Points by Sheraton Fairview Heights, IL

319 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights, IL

Cost: $40 per person on or before May 1, 2008 or $60 per person after May 1, 2008

For more information about this event go to http://www.dce.siu.edu/conferences/080403mmc.htm

For registration questions please contact

Vanessa Sneed at (618)453-5684 or e-mail her at vsneed@siu.edu

 

Asian Women In Business Annual Conference

Procurement Opportunities for Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises

 

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Calling all Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises(M/WBEs).

AWIB's conference offers an information packed day with access to contacts, contracts and business opportunities with corporations and government entities. The leading conference for M/WBEs to learn to strategize and leverage business to get a share of the procurement pie.

At the conference:

  • Meet with buyers from Fortune 1000 companies.
  • Get the inside scoop on how business owners like you can access corporate contracts.
  • Learn the do's and don'ts of the procurement process.
  • Find out what M/WBE certification is. Can it open doors to new opportunities with federal, state and city governments and public authorities?
  • Meet and network with hundreds of other M/WBEs, and corporate and government procurement officials.


Details:

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2008
Time: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Location: The Bank of New York Mellon, 101 Barclay Street, New York City

 FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VIST: http://www.awib.org/awib.html

 

MID AMERICA MINORITY BUSINESSCOUNCIL

12TH ANNUAL BUSINESS OPORTUNITY FAIR

WEDNESDAY MAY 21, 2008  8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Overland Park Convention Center Exhibit Hall B
6000 College Blvd
Overland Park KS  66211
Keynote Speaker: Soledad OBrien
 
Contact Person: Maggie Riley
Email: maggie.riley@mambdc.org
Phone: (816)221-4200
Fax: (816)221-4212

Register here at ExpOpportunity08!
 

SAVE THE DATES!

 

 

 

Thursday, May 22, 2008

 

AACC’s 10th Anniversary and CelebrASIAN

 

InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza

 

(401 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64112)

 

Keynote Speaker

 

Sachi Koto, former CNN news anchor,

successful business owner and author

 

 
 

May 22 - Springfield                                                        May 23 - Columbia

Has your company been looking for a new, exciting export option? Have you considered Vietnam?

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is proud to bring Missouri businesses an opportunity to learn about present-day Vietnam first hand from experts from the U.S. and Vietnam. The seminar will provide valuable insight about how the Vietnam market is changing and growing, future opportunities and Vietnamese business culture.

Strong economic growth, ongoing reform and a large population (83 million, with over half under 30 years of age) have combined to create a dynamic commercial environment in Vietnam.

In recent years, Vietnam’s economic growth rate has been among the highest in the world, growing annually at 7-8%, while industrial production has been growing at around 14- 15% a year. Between 2000 and 2007, trade between the United States and Vietnam has risen from $1.2 billion to $12.5 billion, a 940% increase.

Please join us for this unique opportunity to learn about an exciting market from those with expertise in the Vietnam market. On Thursday, May 22, 2008 a seminar for business leaders will be held at the Missouri State University campus. An additional opportunity to learn more about Vietnam from an academic point of view will be held Friday, May 23, 2008 at the University of Missouri campus. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Vietnam Commercial Counselor, Mr. Van Thoan Ngo, from the Vietnamese Embassy and Missouri Director of Agriculture Katie Smith at both events.

Download the flyer and sign up here for the Springfield seminar!
Download the flyer and sign up here for the Columbia seminar!

Visit the Doing Business in Vietnam blog site for more information. –
http://dbivietnam.blogspot.com/

STATE OF MISSOURI PURCHASING COMMITTEE MEETING

HARRY S. TRUMAN STATE OFFICES BUILDING

301 W. HIGH ST --JEFFERSON CITY

MAY 28, 2008

9:00 AM

ROOM 400

PRESENT YOUR BUSINESS TO KEY PURCHASING STAFF FROM THE STATE OF MISSOURI

CALL OUR OFFICE AT 877-259-2963, ASK FOR ROXY

TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION.

LIMIT OF 2 VENDORS PER MEETING
 

REPRESENTATIVE IKE SKELTON'S PROCUREMENT CONFERENCE

FEATURED LUNCHEON SPEAKER:

THE HONORABLE DONALD WINTER, SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

FRIDAY MAY 30, 2008

7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI

WARRENSBURG, MO

UNIVERSITY UNION BUILDING

ROOM 234B

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.MISSOURIBUSINESS.NET/PTAC

JUNE 2008

On-line Registration for the
Missouri Economic Development Council's
2008 Spring Conference
June 4-6, 2008

Conference Brochure:

The Conference brochure will be available soon.  You may go ahead and register for the conference by credit card or printing out the registration form below and faxing to MEDC office. 

 Conference Registration -- paying by Credit Card:

On-Line:  To register ON-LINE with a CREDIT CARD, please make a selection from the following list. 

MEMBERS:  click here

NON-Members:  click here

Volunteers / Community Leaders: click here

Fax:  Select Members or Non-Members from the list below.  A registration form will open.  Complete and submit this form.  Print the confirmation that displays, complete credit card information and fax to 573-636-5783.

                            MEMBERS:  click here

                             NON-Members: click here 

Volunteers / Community Leaders: click here

Conference Registration -- Paying by Check or Payment in Process: 

Select Members or Non-Members from the list below.  A registration form will open.  Complete and submit this form.  Print the confirmation that displays and fax to 573-636-5783 or mail with check payable to MEDC to:

MEDC, 204 E. High, Jefferson City, Mo 65101

                            MEMBERS:  click here

                            NON-Members: click here

        Volunteers / Community Leaders: click here

  Hotel Information:

Lodge of Four Seasons - Lake Ozark, MO 

Phone:  888-265-5500  

A block of rooms has been reserved for MEDC at Lodge of Four Seasons for $97.00 single/double.  Please identify that you are calling to reserve a room in the MEDC block.  This room block will be released on May 3, 2008.  Room availability or pricing cannot be guaranteed after that date. 

Additional Information:

  • No-shows are responsible for payment of registration.  No refunds after May 29, 2008.
     

  • Hotel reservations must be made by May 3, 2008 to honor the MEDC room block rate.
     

  • Dress for Conference is Business Casual for Sessions, Business Attire for Awards Luncheon.

Exhibits:

  • Exhibits Available - Please contact the MEDC office at 573-636-7383.

Questions or special needs?

MEDC - Pat Amick, CMP - (573) 636-7383 or pat-amick@socket.net

 

SLMBC

Double Opportunity!!!

June 10-11, 2008

Greetings!

In America today, MBE development is not a choice; it is a business imperative.  If you are in business or seeking to do business, you must attend this event.

 

Sign up for the BOF and exhibit at the COS, too, at no additional cost!  Take Advantage of these two great opportunities for the price of one.

 

 

Business Opportunity Fair (BOF)       America's Center - June 10, 2008

BOF Compressed SmallThe SLMBC Business Opportunity Fair provides a venue that links large corporations and government contractors with minority owned businesses to assist with procurement activities.

 

Come prepared to showcase your products and services.  If you don't have a product or service and are merely thinking about starting a business or wish to meet experienced entrepreneurs in the various industries, you cannot miss this year's BOF!!

 

NMSDC Certification Required

 

BOF Luncheon Speaker

Melvin Gravely II, Ph.D.

 

 Dr. Gravely Compressed Small

Dr. Melvin Gravely is the founder of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Thinking, dedicated to improving the results of minority business development efforts. He is the author of seven books including The lost Art of Entrepreneurship, When Black and White Make Green and his latest, Getting to the Next Level.  A frequent guest on radio programs from Los Angeles to New York, Dr. Gravely has been featured in many national publications including Black Enterprise, Ebony, Minorities and Women in Business and American City Business Journals.

 

Construction Opportuntiy Summit (COS) America's Center - June 11, 2008

This first-time collaboration of NMSDC Regional Councils and Associated General Contractors will bring together construction executives, purchasing decision makers and key customer representatives to promote successful efforts to grow diverse suppliers and contractors.

 

COS Compressed SmallFor all M/WBEs currently certified by any agency and corporate members.

The purpose of the COS is to deliver expert insight into the construction industry while creating viable contract and partnership opportunities.   

 

 

COS Luncheon Speaker

John C. Hunzinger, P.E.

  John Hunzinger Compressed Small

John C. Hunzinger is a third generation president and owner of Hunzinger Construction Company, one of the largest privately-held companies in Wisconsin, founded in 1907.  Mr. Hunzinger brings over 27 years of extensive construction experience to his leadership role, providing strategic direction to enhance overall project and corporate performance.  The company is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance, and Mr. Hunzinger is a LEED Accredited Professional.  A frequent speaker and lecturer, Mr. Hunzinger is widely recognized as a leader in the industry and has received numerous awards, including the 2007 Constructor of the Year by the American Institute of Constructors.

 

Learn More

Click on any graphic above to learn more about the event. Our partners can post the following links to their websites:

 

Tuesday, June 10th BOF: 

www.globalexec.com/SLMBC/SLMBCBOF

 

Wednesday, June 11th COS:     http://www.globalexec.com/SLMBC/ConstructionOpportunitySummit/

 

 

 

 

SBA LOAN S E M I NAR

A two-hour seminar in which participants will have an opportunity to become familiar with several SBA loan programs including the 7(a) and 504 loan programs. Hosted by the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC). For more information, contact the SBDC at (314) 241-1511 or register online by logging onto http://Missouri.ecenterdirect.com/conferencelist.asp.

• June 13, 1-3 pm West Cty Enterprise Ctr., 743 Spirit 40 Park Dr., Chesterfield, MO
 

 
International Business Opportunities

June 16-20   Vietnam Trade Mission
 The St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative in partnership with RCGA and Focus St. Louis present GATEWAY CONNECTIONS...an orientation to welcome people of color to the St. Louis Region.


Gateway Connections has been developed for professionals and their spouses or guest who have recently relocated to the St. Louis region.  The half-day program is designed to give the participants an opportunity to meet key business and community leaders and to receive an extensive overview of the area's history, economics, structures, cultural affairs and leisure amenities.  One of the program objectives is to allow participants to become acquainted with the formal and informal power structures of the area.  In addition, the participants meet other professionals who have relocated to the area. 

The objectives of Gateway Connections are:

  • Introduce the participants to the St. Louis region
  • Offer a sampling of the area's major cultural, entertainment and recreational opportunities
  • Encourage the individuals to become involved in community activities and civic groups

    Gateway Connections will be Friday, June 20, 2008 from 8:30 am to 1pm. The program will be held at the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Alexis de Tocqueville Room located at 910 North 11th. For more information, please visit our website http://www.stlbizdiversity.com/about/gateway_connections.pdf or call 314.444.1121.

    Breakfast and lunch will be provided.  There is no charge to participate.

     

    		•
    For additional information please contact Rosalind Reese at 314.206.3224 or rreese@stlrcga.org. 

    If you know of someone who would benefit from participating in Gateway Connections, please feel free to forward this information.

    Please complete the registration form at http://www.stlbizdiversity.com/about/stlouis_diversity_programs.asp by clicking on Gateway Connections.  Fax or mail completed registration form to the attention of Rosalind Reese. 

    Mailing address:  St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative ~ One Metropolitan Square ~ Suite 1300 ~ St. Louis, MO  63102

    Fax number:  314.206.3244

    DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS June 13, 2008
    JULY 2008
     

    COMMUN I TY EXPRESS LOAN WORKSHOPS

    Do you need a $5,000 to $25,000 loan to address financial issues in your small business?

    Do not miss the Community Express Loan Workshops where you can learn how to apply for a

    SBA guaranteed loan through a nationally approved SBA lender. This workshop is free!

    The Community Express Loan Program is the fastest and simplest way for a small business to obtain working capital and the benefits include:

    • Loan amounts of $5,000 to $25,000

    • Seven year term

    • No collateral required

    • Easy application process

    • All industries considered, and

    • Fast turn-around time

     

    Each attendee should bring with them the following:

    • Photo copy of driver’s license or official ID

    • Social Security number

    • Federal Tax ID number and business checkbook

    • Evidence of LPRA status if not a citizen

     

    The following workshop will be hosted by the Grace Hill Women’s Business Center:

    July 17, 2008

    Two sessions: 10 am-Noon OR 6-8 pm

     

    St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley,

    Multi Purpose Room, Student Center

    3400 Pershall Road, St. Louis, MO 63135

     

    Please pre-register for the above by calling the Grace Hill Women’s Business Center at (341) 584-6840.
    SEPTEMBER 2008

     

    2008 Governor's Conference

    September 10 - 12

    Hyatt Regency & Westin Crown Center

    Kansas City

    Check back often for updates & additional information