14th annual Lexington Bluegrass Area Minority Business Expo set for Aug. 4

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 15, 2016) – Plans are underway for the 14th Annual Lexington Bluegrass Area Minority Business Expo set for Aug. 4, 2016 at the Lexington Convention Center. This year’s EXPO will continue its tradition of providing business owners from across Kentucky and neighboring states, the opportunity to network with one another, meet one-on-one with procurement agents, and take part in workshops designed to address the business needs of companies of every size.

“We’re offering something totally different this year than before,” says EXPO chair, Marilyn Clark. “We’re taking this EXPO to the next level with the types of workshops being offered and with the speakers. We’ve even put together an afternoon session entitled ‘Is Supplier Diversity Still Relevant in 2016’ which includes diversity leaders from some major regional corporations and cities. We want our attendees to come away from the EXPO feeling the day was worth their time.”

Speakers at this year’s EXPO include Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton, Tameka Montgomery, associate administrator of the Office of Entrepreneurial Development U.S. Small Business Administration, and the luncheon keynote, Phil Wilkins, former owner of Lexington’s McDonald’s franchises.
The EXPO will also feature a Business Opportunity Exchange which will allow businesses to connect with public and private organizations working to diversify their supply chain. Companies that sign up will have the opportunity to be matched with buyers based on their company profile and purchasing criteria.

“I would say the greatest thing I have gotten out of every EXPO has been new business,” says Cathy Stafford, owner of Ad Venture Promotions. “I’ve never been to one (EXPO) that I haven’t come away with a new wonderful customer.”

Other workshops will cover such topics as Managing Resources for the Long Term, Cyber Security and Niche Marketing: How to Build Your Brand. The day will wrap up with a business networking reception.

Registration is $75. To register or for more information visit lexingtonmbe.com.