JOHNSON ANNOUNCES BUSINESS GROWTH CONFERENCE
Trade Show and Conference to Assist Small and Minority-Owned Businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2004

Columbus, OH -- State Development Director Bruce Johnson today announced that the Ohio Department of Development’s Division of Minority Business Affairs (DMBA) will co-sponsor the “Developing Strategic Alliances: Government Trade Show and Conference.” The event will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2004 and is designed to assist experienced business owners who are interested in expanding their operations.

“I’m pleased that the Ohio Department of Development is involved in assisting Ohio small and minority-owned businesses achieve success through the Government Trade Show and Conference,” Director Johnson said. “I’m confident that this program will provide instruction and information that is designed to create growth opportunities for Ohio entrepreneurs.”

The daylong program will offer business owners information about issues and initiatives that impact small and minority-owned businesses, workshops on developing and maintaining strategic business partnerships and opportunities to network with corporate professionals and government agencies for potential procurement opportunities.

In addition to the DMBA, other conference sponsors include: the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, South Central Ohio Minority Business Council, Central Ohio Minority Business Association and the Huntington National Bank. The event will be held in Columbus at the William Green Building, located at 30 West Spring Street, and is open to experienced businesspersons at no charge. Attendees must register by January 9, 2004 by calling 1-800-848-1300, ext. 65700 or online at www.comba.com/mbeconference/.

The Division of Minority Business Affairs works to create a business environment in Ohio that is sensitive to the needs of minority-owned businesses and assists in their growth and development. Minority businesses are defined as being at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one of the following disadvantaged groups: African-American, Hispanic, Native American and Asian. The DMBA provides assistance through the Minority Contractors and Business Assistance Program (MCBAP), Management and Technical Services and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC). The office counsels nearly 9,000 clients each year.