45th Chicago Business Opportunity Fair (CBOF45) Set for April 11-13 at Navy Pier

March 2, 2012 - PRLog -- CHICAGO, IL   - With U.S. job creation resting on the shoulders of small business (firms that employ up to 500, according to the U.S. Department of Labor),  Chicago wearing the nick-name of ‘the City of Big Shoulders’ provides the timely environment  for innovation,  collaborations and entrepreneurship in the MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) and supplier diversity arena.  However, the challenge remains for minority-owned businesses to secure ways to link into the supplier diversity programs within corporate America and governmental agencies in order to stimulate economic equality and growth.

Impacting the complexities of small minority firms making significant inroads into the current economy is the exposure to expertise, coaching, face-to-face networking and information uniquely available under one roof. Chicago Business Opportunity Fair, (CBOF) which will be held April 11, 12 and 13 in Festival Hall “A” of Navy Pier is sponsored by the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (ChicagoMDC), whose president and CEO is Shelia Hill Morgan. Over 4000 participants are expected to attend.

CBOF, the oldest, largest procurement show in the nation, is devoted exclusively to developing links between ethnic minority and majority-owned corporations and government agencies.  Now in its 45th year, CBOF has served as a catalyst for creating billions of dollars in contracts and opportunities for minority-owned firms, through its member base that includes corporations and government agencies.  CBOF features a strategic package of events whose sole purpose is to provide an environment where minority-owned firms can showcase their goods and services before buying organizations committed to supplier diversity.

This year Allstate returns as the presenting sponsor.

Highlights of the three-day business intensive include:
•   Opportunities for MBEs and buyers to meet face-to-face in a business setting
•   Industry-specific segments in Information Technology, Healthcare, Construction,
              Food & Beverage and more.
•   Networking events where decision makers connect with prospects in a relaxed environment
•   Information-filled workshops including the Keys to Mergers & Acquisitions moderated by Reznik Group; Access to Capital in the Digital Age moderated by The Fundwell, Strategies for the New Economy moderated by Ralph Moore & Associates and How to Leverage LinkedIn moderated by CEI Media Group.
•   One on One Meetings including the popular Speed Date Business Forum featuring Corporate Buyers and Global Trade Commissioners moderated by Navistar.
•   An Awards Reception sponsored by ChicagoMSDC’s Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee where buyers are honored for their commitment to supplier diversity and young  business students receive college scholarships.
•   A Black Tie Reception & Gala honoring The Corporation of the Year
•   The Sponsors Breakfast features, Jeff Taylor, Founder of Monster.com as the
            keynote speaker

At centerstage of the three-day event is the Trade Fair on April 12 where preparation meets opportunity as MBEs bring their A-Games to their booths that showcase their products and services and where corporations and government agencies meet prospects
and make valuable connections that can lead to business substantial relationships and opportunities.

Leading the event are Honorary Chairman W. Anthony Vernon, Executive Vice President and President, Kraft Foods North America.  Co-Chairs are Juventino Cano, President/CEO – Cano Container Corporation., and Brinda Bradley, director – supplier diversity for the Nielsen Company.  Kitty Pon, President/CEO – Pactrans Air & Sea, Inc. is Chairperson of the CBOF45 MBEIC Awards Reception.


In making the announcement Hill, stated, “Small Business is the engine that drives the economy and minority business is the fastest growing segment in this small-business category.  Through the contacts made at CBOF, minority business entrepreneurs can preside over their own firm and reap the rewards that entrepreneurship represents. Attending CBOF represents the most viable way to achieve business success because of the wealth of opportunities available, the contacts made and the knowledge gleaned under one roof and in three days That’s what CBOF delivers and why it enjoys continued success.”

CBOF45 Benefactor Sponsors are: Kraft Foods, NAVISTAR, Nielsen, Office Max, United and Walgreens.

ChicagoMSDC members are encouraged to attend.  Non-members may participate in the Fair through a One-Day Pass. Individual Sponsor Breakfast tickets are available for $100.45. For more information on CBOF 45, contact Cynthia Jordan at 312-755-2555 or via e-mail at cjordan@chicagomsdc.org.  For more information on ChicagoMSDC and updates on CBOF 45, visit  www.chicagomsdc.org.

About ChicagoMSDC (Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council:
ChicagoMSDC is a thought leader in minority business since 1968. Its mission is to be the premier organization for increasing value-added business opportunities between major buying organizations and minority-owned businesses. ChicagoMSDC is the founding Council of NMSDC, a network of 37 regional councils. For over four decades, serving both minority suppliers and corporate buyers, ChicagoMSDC has been Chicago’s central network where trading partners have been able to meet and develop sustainable business linkages. Today, the ChicagoMSDC partnership includes over 200 private and public sector buying organizations and more than 1300 minority-owned businesses.
Corporate members of ChicagoMSDC have reported over $3.5 billion in annual purchases from minority firms. MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) members have reported the employment of more than 90,000 workers annually.

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ChicagoMSDC (Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council) has facilitated major corporate buyers, i.e. AT&T, and minority suppliers, i.e. Ariel, for over 40 years. Chicago is the founding council of 37 regional councils with headquarters in New York.