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Supporting the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizing the 30th Anniversary of Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development Week, from the 29th of September through the 4th of October 2014, for providing critical information to foster the growth and competitiveness of the minority business community.
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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's 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, Assistant to the Deputy Director of the City Commerce Department; and
WHEREAS, The 30th Anniversary of MED Week is chaired by the African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE, The Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, The City of Philadelphia Commerce Department, The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and The Minority Business Development Agency. For one week, business leaders from across the region will host various workshops focused around this year's theme, Breakthrough: Growth through Innovation; and
WHEREAS, The 2014 MED Week celebration marks a major milestone for the minority business community. While progress has been made, continuous efforts are needed around minority business development. A recent study released by ENGAGE, a student-run think-tank at the University of Pennsylvania, indicated that a shift in growing industries required more highly-skilled, college educated workers, which is not characterized by many Philadelphia minorities. This is one of the major initiatives that the African-American Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders is looking into to changing in the coming year; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is home to so many creative, hard-working entrepreneurs. Our economy is experiencing rapid growth. Buildings are being erected and renovated, healthcare is expanding, our financial system is stable and the stock market indexes are at all-time highs. Philadelphia is ranked third in construction growth across the USA. Hospitality and tourism are on the rise, along with the expansion of bridges, highways, ports, rail system, and the airport (PHL). MED week is the opportunity for these local small businesses to learn, grow and connect the dots that will take their companies to the next level; and
WHEREAS, The 2014 Philly MED Week will kick-off with the 2014 MED Week Award Reception, which takes place Monday, September 29th, at 8 a.m. in the Mayor's Reception Room, in City Hall; no, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby supports the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizes the 29th of September to the 4th of October, 2014, as Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week which provides critical information, resources, opportunities and inspiration to foster the 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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