EVENT OF THE WEEK
Minority enterprise honors, events
The 23rd annual Minority Enterprise Development Week celebration takes place Wednesday through Friday at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive. The theme of this year’s event is “The Art of the Deal: Making It Happen.”
MED Week allows minority entrepreneurs to pursue business opportunities, and offers representatives from the public and private sector an opportunity to find minority businesses for their contractual needs.
There will be a free seminar on accessing capital as well as global trade and technology workshops.
A reception/awards dinner is at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Hyatt Regency’s Grand Ballroom. Honorees include Jorge Serret of Midway Overhead Door; Kehar Soodan of Soodan & Associates; Vasanthi Ilangovan of Viva USA; Willie Wilson of Omar Medical Supplies; Robert J. Harrison of Red Cloud Food Services; Francisco G. Bahena Sr. of McCoy Auto Parts and Glass; Marty DuBois of Global Marketing Group; and Arron Fulbright of Configuration Chicago. Paul Cerpa of the Illinois Department of Transportation will be honored as minority advocate of the year.
The event is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency and the Chicago Minority Enterprise Development Council.
For information, call LaTasha Burl at 312-353-0182, or visit www.chicagomedweek.com.
CONVENTIONS
WHAT WHERE WHEN
Muslim American Society Annual Convention. Expected attendance, 10,000.
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Aug. 31 through Monday
Islamic Society of North America Annual Convention.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Sept. 2 through Monday
Macedonian Patriotic Organization 84th Annual Convention. 1,000.
Renaissance Chicago Hotel
Sept. 2 through Monday
Academy of Neonatal Nursing. 1,800.
Hilton Chicago
Wednesday through Saturday
College of American Pathologists Annual Meeting. 1,500.
Sheraton Chicago
Wednesday through Sept. 15
Mannatech Inc. Midwest National Event. 1,000.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Friday and Saturday
Graphic Arts Show Co. Print 05 & Converting 05. 70,000.
McCormick Place
Friday through Sept. 15
Northwestern University Medical School Association of Standardized Patient Educators. 200.
Westin River North
Saturday through Sept. 14
Beauty Systems Group Victory Fashion Focus. 1,000.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Sunday through Sept. 12
Primedia Business Magazines & Media Promo Expo. 3,500.
Navy Pier
Sept. 12-14
American Zoo and Aquarium Association Annual Conference. 2,000.
Hilton Chicago
Sept. 13-17
Joint Commission Resources Health Care Professional’s Education Symposium. 400.
Hyatt Regency O’Hare
Sept. 14-15
The In-Store Marketing Expo.
5,500. Lakeside Center Sept. 14-15
American Hospital Association Society for Healthcare Strategy and Marketing Development. 1,000.
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Sept. 14-16
Merchandise Mart Properties International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market. 7,000.
Merchandise Mart
Sept. 14-17
Merchandise Mart Properties Chicago Gift Show Fall Chicago Gift and Home Market. 2,000.
Merchandise Mart
Sept. 15-17
National Sales Network National Conference. 350.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
Sept. 15-17
Tattoo Show Annual Convention. 4,000.
Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare
Sept. 15-18
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
WHAT WHERE WHEN
“The Basics of Going Into Business” workshop by Score, Counselors to America’s Small Business. $50-$60. 312-353-7724, or www.scorechicago.org.
Citicorp Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1250
Tuesday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The Power of Positioning Drive Success: Distinguish Your Business in the Marketplace” presented by Jackie Sloane, executive coach and president of Sloane Communications, and sponsored by the Lincoln Park Business Development Institute, an affiliate of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce and DePaul University. $79. Jamie Toussaint, 773-880-5200, or jamie@lincolnparkchamber.com.
DePaul University’s John T. Richardson Library, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Room 400
Wednesday
6 to 9 p.m.
JOB/CAREER
WHAT WHERE WHEN
“Age: An Advantage or a Barrier in the Workplace” presented at the eWomen in Career Transition meeting sponsored by eWorld Employment. Free, but seating is limited. Register at events@myworkforceministry.com.
Whole Foods, Community Room, 151 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton
Tuesday
7 p.m.
INTERNATIONAL
WHAT WHERE WHEN
“The Importance of International Business in Illinois” event sponsored by the International Business Council-Naperville Chamber of Commerce. Presentation by Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego). Free. Nick Jarmusz, 630-355-4141, ext. 1338.
Naperville Chamber Of Commerce, 55 S. Main St., Suite 375, Naperville
Tuesday
4 to 5:30 p.m.
“Developing an Export Strategy” global trade workshop during Minority Enterprise Development Week. Exporting questions will be answered by a panel of government experts from the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Small Business Administration, Export-Import Bank, Illinois Office of Trade and Investment, and others. Connie Green, 312-353-4798, or constance.green@mail.doc.gov.
Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive
Thursday
8 a.m. to noon
OTHER
WHAT WHERE WHEN
“How Consultants Can Create Raving Fan Customer Service” presented by Bruce Hodes, founder and head coach of CMI, at the Midwest Society of Professional Consultants meeting. $40-$45, members; $50-$55, non-members. 312-201-0596, or www.mspc.org.
Clarion Hotel O’Hare, 5616 N. Cumberland Ave.
Wednesday
5 p.m.
“Diverse Leadership for a Diverse Economy” is the theme of the 17th annual fundraising gala of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs Chicago Chapter. Terry Zink, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank Chicago, will deliver the keynote address. $85. 312-409-5628, or general@chicago.nshmba.org.
Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive
Thursday
5:30 to 9 p.m.
“Empowered Boards” presented by Michael G. Cherkasky, president and CEO of Marsh & McLennan Cos., at an event sponsored by the National Association of Corporate Directors. $60. Advance registration is required. Renee Kronon-Schertz, 630-527-9579, or www.chicagonacd.org.
University Club of Chicago, 76 E. Monroe St.
Friday
Noon to 2 p.m.
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Send items to: Seka Palikuca, Weekly planner, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Room 400, Chicago, IL 60611
