by Stephen D. Riley

(NNPA)—There were no tennis shoes, jeans or sweatshirts present at the Minority Business Summit’s “Men of Influence” luncheon Feb. 20, just neatly creased slacks, fashionable ties and double-breasted suits. But the only thing sharper than the dress code may have been the entertaining and sharp dialogue among the event’s guests. Inside the Billie Holiday Ballroom at the Baltimore Hilton Hotel, some of the most prominent figures in minority business gathered at one of the area’s premiere annual business conferences.

Certification &

Contracting Workshop

FEB. 24—The U.S. Small Business Administration will host an 8(a) and HUBZone Certification & Contracting workshop from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at The Riverside Center for Innovation, 700 River Ave., 1st floor Conference Room, North Side. It is free to the public.  MBE/WBE and Veteran-owned businesses are encouraged to attend.  Registration is requested.  For more information, call Marisa Fentzel at 412-395-6560 ext. 109.

by Charlene Crowell

(NNPA)—At a time when the source of so much consumer angst is focused on the ill effects of consumer lending, it was both fitting and appropriate for the 2010 theme of Black History Month to be economic empowerment. The theme, as in previous years, was identified by the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History, the organization that provides ongoing service to the vision and works that Dr. Carter G. Woodson first began in 1926.

Branding and marketing guru Erin Patton is scheduled to share his strategies and techniques during the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh’s Microenterprise Symposium, Feb. 20. Aiming to provide practical information that entrepreneurs can implement in a down economy, Alice Williams, business support specialist for the YW Enterprising Women Program, a part of the Asset Development Initiative of the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, says the symposium is designed to empower women, which is the mission of the YWCA.

SHARING KNOWLEDGE— Ruth Byrd-Smith from the Allegheny County Department of M/W/D/B/E is set to serve as kickoff speaker for the Feb. 20 Microenterprise Symposium.

The Microenterprise Symposium, carrying the theme “Micro 2 Millions” will take place from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Carnegie Mellon University at the Tepper School of Business, 5000 Forbes Ave.