On Wednesday, April 4, 2012, Black Enterprise teams up with Walmart to host a forum on supplier diversity business opportunities in Chicago at the Hilton Chicago from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Boasting some of the nation’s most accomplished Black entrepreneurs and business experts on its agenda, 20/20 Vision: Supplier Diversity in the 21st Century, is an economic forum designed to explore how entrepreneurs can best position their ventures to form profitable partnerships with large corporations as part of their supply chain. An RSVP is required to attend
this event and seating is limited. Entrepreneurs who want to attend the forum can click this link to RSVP or call 212-886-9599.Featuring a day of expert presentations and case studies, as well as ample opportunities to network, the event aims to identify and increase the profitability of minority wholesalers, manufacturers and artisans, helping them to better prepare for business opportunities with large corporations. Topics to be covered include “Navigating the Procurement Maze” and “Scaling Up To Meet The Right Contract.” The forum will be keynoted by nationally acclaimed author and speaker Dennis Kimbro, a business school professor at the Clark Atlanta University and include remarks from Black Enterprise CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. and Chicago City Treasurer Stephanie Neely.
In addition, Black entrepreneurs who have successfully established partnerships and landed contracts with major corporations will share their expertise and experiences. Among the business owners on the agenda are Chemico Mays CEO Leon Richardson, The Comfort Cake CEO Amy Hilliard, Fair Oaks Farms L.L.C. CEO Michael L. Thompson, Blackwell Consulting Services CEO Robert Blackwell Sr., Johnson Security Senior VP Jessica Johnson
, Banneker Industries CEO Cheryl W. Snead and Volt Energy Co-owner Gilbert Campbell. Walmart Stores Inc. executives including Walmart Market Manager Reginald Reese and Divisional Merchandise Director Kaitlin Wolfe will also share information and expertise on procurement business opportunities. Sessions will be moderated by Black Enterprise SVP/Editor-in-Chief Derek T. Dingle and Editorial Director Alan Hughes.Small business is BIG BUSINESS at the 2012 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo hosted by Nationwide, May 23-26, at the Hilton Chicago Hotel in Chicago, IL. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered
speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. Beat the March 16 Early Bird deadline to get a $200 registration discount at www.blackenterprise.com/ec/! And be sure to nominate your company or another business for our Small Business Awards! Want to pitch your business idea and win $10,000? Don’t miss the chance to enter our Elevator Pitch Competition before March 30 to qualify for the $10,000 grand prize. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/ec/