Opportunity Conference 2004
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Secretary Elaine L. Chao
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Click to Read the Labor Beacon Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
Opportunities Conference 2003 Overview
The September 24-25 Opportunities Conference in Washington, D.C. was a huge success! Welcoming over 1500 attendees from around the country, the event covered a range of topics on the economic development of the Asian Pacific and Hispanic American communities. By reaching out to small business owners, non-profit organizations, and community leaders, this innovative conference addressed the needs of the two fastest growing segments of the 21st century workforce.

The event kicked off with welcoming remarks from U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, followed by a panel discussion on the economic development of the Asian Pacific and Hispanic American communities. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao delivered the keynote address to over 1500 attendees. The afternoon panel "Winning Grants and Contracts," moderated by Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration Melanie Sabelhaus, allowed participants to ask questions of top professionals in the fields of small business development and federal procurement policy. Lulu Sobrino of "Lulu's Desserts" offered an inspiring success story, followed by closing remarks from Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Mel Martinez.

Celebrating the contributions of the nation's two largest immigrant communities, the event emphasized key components of economic development including minority homeownership, job training, and understanding procurement opportunities. Workshops provided participants with information about small business development, accessing capital, doing business with the government, opportunities for faith-based and community organizations, and assistance to workers with limited English proficiency.

Due to the overall popularity of the national conference, the Second Opportunity Conference will be held in Washington, D.C. on October 12, 2004.




CONFERENCE CO-SPONSORS

http://www.uspaacc.com http://www.ushcc.com


CONFERENCE PARTNERS

http://ser.masterlink.com http://www.hacu.net http://www.lulac.org http://www.tamacc.org http://www.nclr.org

http://www.aapi.gov http://www.chicagochinatown.org http://www.iberochamber.org http://www.hermana.org http://www.cnc.org




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