Minority Enterprise Development Committee celebrates 30 years of recognizing minority and women owned businesses in WNC

Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Committee proudly announces its 30 year celebration in Western North Carolina.  In 1982, the U.S. President proclaimed National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week to recognize the outstanding achievements of minority businesses and honor corporations and financial institutions that support minority business development.  Western North Carolina officially launched a MED Committee and chapter in 1983 to support minority and women owned businesses in Western North Carolina.  This year marks 30 years of celebrating, educating and supporting minority entrepreneurs through regional MED Week events.  
 

This year the MED Committee is holding a press conference on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 from 2pm to 2:30pm at The Asheville Chamber of Commerce to launch the September celebration by featuring past MED Week winners to be interviewed by regional media.  Past winners include, Joseph and Laralyn Riverwind of Native Touch, Ricardo Bello of Village Florist, Kimberly Hunter of Prolific Consulting award received for Forte Affair Events, and Lawrence E. Peterson of Peterson’s Appliances.  All regional media is invited to attend.

Sharon Oxendine, MED Committee board member and director of entrepreneurship at Mountain Bizworks stated, “I have been a member of the MED Committee board of directors for almost ten years.  The work that these minority and women owned businesses have accomplished are worthy of recognition for outstanding achievements.  I am so proud to do my part in celebrating all people of all backgrounds who bring a spirit of excellence to the business economy of Western North Carolina.”

Minority Enterprise Development Committee expects a great turn out this year for the scheduled events the week of September 23 – 27, 2013.  Thanks to our generous host of sponsors, including our presenting sponsor Mission Health, the community is invited to the entire week of events at no charge.  

“Everyone in the WNC community is invited to celebrate with us.  This is what we call a Western North Carolina family-affair and once you have attended one award ceremony and experienced first-hand the camaraderie, respect and stories behind the businesses, you will never be the same,” states Kimberly Hunter, former MED Week winner and board member of the MED Committee. 

For more information about MED Week or confirm attendance at the press conference on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 2pm at The Asheville Chamber of Commerce, contact jameselee06@abtech.edu or visit wncmedweek.org.  The mission of Minority Enterprise Development of WNC is to provide the best leadership and direction for the promotion, establishment and development of minority businesses in Western North Carolina through education, communication and advocacy.