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"Beyond the Limits: Corporations and Minority Businesses Building Something Great Together"

OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE PROMOTES MINORITY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES  

The 31st Annual OMSDC Business Conference & Opportunity Fair was held July 15-16, 2009, in Oklahoma City at the Clarion Meridian Convention Center.  The theme this year was: "Beyond the Limits: Corporations and Minority Businesses Building Something Great Together".  This hallmark event brought together, in one location, corporate, government and minority business representatives for the purpose of establishing business alliances and partnerships.  The Title Sponsor for this event was ConocoPhillips.

The conference provided an unparalleled opportunity for minority businesses to make numerous sales calls to large major corporations, government agencies and other minority businesses.  Minority businesses took center stage and showcased their products or services to the largest major corporations in the state of Oklahoma.   Major corporations were able to identify and explore business opportunities with the largest and most diverse group of minority suppliers in the state of Oklahoma.  The conference provided opportunities for all who attended to make new contacts while enjoying a variety of motivational, educational and networking events. 

The Business Conference and Opportunity Fair is the premiere event of the year for the Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development Council.  The OMSDC planned a stimulating line-up of events which include, a Welcome To Oklahoma City Reception, Seminars and Workshops, a Power Luncheon and the Annual Business Opportunity Fair.  The seminars and workshops include topics on: Supplier Diversity 101: Why? What? How?, How to Build and Rollout Your 2nd Tier Program, Exploring Government Contracting Opportunities from A to Z, How To Do Business With The GSA, and Marketing With Free and Inexpensive Tools.  Senator Constance Johnson, senate District 48 served as the keynote speaker for the power luncheon.

Senator Constance N. "Connie" Johnson (D-48-OK county) was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in a 2005 special election, upset, and re-elected in 2006, after 24 years on Senate staff researching and drafting laws on issues ramging from birth to death.  she is unique in Oklahoma's term-limited Legislature, given her in-depth knowledge of the issues and extensive experience in the legislative process.  She focuses considerable efforts on increasing citizen awareness about the role and power of involvement via advocacy and communication in the legislative process.

OMSDC is a privately funded, non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization established in 1976.  It si through programs, services and advocacy that the OMSDC assist corporations and public sector agancies in creating a business environmant that promotes access and increases opportunities for minority-owned businesses.  The OMSDC has been promoting minority businesses in our state for over 31 years.  The number of certified minority businesses has grown from 19 to 279 and our corporate membership has increased to 56 members.

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