43rd Chicago Business Opportunity Fair Set for March 29-31

In Economically-Challenging Times, CBOF Provides Success Solution

CHICAGO, IL - February 19   - The 43rd Chicago Business Opportunity Fair (CBOF), which has served as a catalyst for creating billions of dollars in contracts and opportunities for minority-owned firms, will continue its legacy of forging connections between MBEs, corporations and government agencies on March 29, 30 and 31 in Festival Hall “A” of Navy Pier.  The Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC), whose president/CEO is Shelia Hill, sponsors the event.  The presenting sponsor is Allstate.  The event will be driven by the theme:  “Rebound 2010: Connect, Drive, Thrive.”

According to Hill, entrepreneurship is the key to economic growth. She says the Chicago Business Opportunity Fair is the premiere event for forging opportunities that strengthen minority firms, which in turn, create job opportunities that address the nagging unemployment problem plaguing the nation.  It boasts a documented track record of success in achieving its mission.

CBOF, the oldest, largest minority procurement show in the nation, is devoted exclusively to developing partnerships between minority and majority-owned corporations and government agencies. Founded in the wake of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination and as a way of addressing the paucity of opportunities for minority-owned firm, CBOF is credited with attracting viable minority-owned firms, forging relationships with corporations and government agencies, and using the Fair as a vehicle for connecting the two. Serving as a foundation for CBOF is the strength of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, which has enjoyed phenomenal growth due to the educational opportunities, it offers minority firms, networking events and the signature procurement show, the Chicago Business Opportunity Fair.  CMSDC was the impetus for the development of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc., a network of nearly 40 regional councils in major cities nationwide, Puerto Rico and Canada.

CBOF provides a rare once-a-year opportunity for minority entrepreneurs because it features a host of benefits including:

• Opportunities for MBEs and Buyers to meet in a business setting
• Industry-specific segments
• Networking events attended by decision makers and “power” prospects
• Information-filled workshops
• One-on-One Meetings

Presiding over the Fair are four leaders with a proven commitment to minority business development including:

• Thomas J. Wilson - Chairman/President/CEO  - The Allstate Corporation - Honorary Chairman - CBOF 43 Planning Committee
• Margaret Klinsport - Director, Supplier Diversity - The Allstate Corporation -Co-Chairperson - CBOF 43 Planning Committee
• Arthur Miller - President/CEO - MZI - Co-Chairperson - CBOF 43 Planning Committee
• Travis M. Powers - Senior Executive Partner - Escendent, LLC Chairperson, CBOF 43 Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee's Awards Dinner

The day-by-day events that comprise the success foundation for CBOF include:

Monday - March 29

• Corporate Sponsored Networking Reception

Tuesday - March 30

• Dynamic workshops conducted by outstanding leaders that cover critical areas for business success
• CBOF 43 Dinner Dance

Wednesday - March 31

• Sponsors Breakfast - Keynoted by a nationally-acclaimed leader
• Flagship CBOF Trade Fair - MBEs showcase products and services before corporate and government leaders attending for the sole purpose of making valuable connections that will lead to business opportunities.
• Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee Awards Luncheon - honors MBEs, corporate and government buyers and organizations that have exhibited exceptional commitment to business development
• Topping Out Reception - final networking event

In announcing the 43rd anniversary of the Fair, Hill, emphasized the importance of CBOF in boosting the economy.  “With the economy so fragile and jobs being lost at a record pace, entrepreneurship is the key to strengthening the economy and to boosting self empowerment.  CBOF is an ideal venue for boosting minority firms and creating the employment opportunities.

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