Join the Circle of Prosperity!
Come and show your support for the entrepreneurs who are growing the economy! Be part of the Circle of Prosperity! Attend the MEDA Annual Recognition Luncheon on June 16th and become a part of the ever-growing MEDA network of corporate partners and entrepreneurs of color. With attendance over 400 and a pre-luncheon networking session (11:00) this event attracts a group that is always inspired by the success of our Entrepreneurs of the Year. Just click below to register! There is a special rate for nonprofit colleagues and community partners this year so check it out! Space is limited. Register Now
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MEDA Annual Meeting Award Winners
Charles W. Poe Jr.
Entrepreneurs of the Year Tony and Shelleye Williamson
Ajasa Technologies
Corporation of the Year
Travelers
Community Partner of the Year
Associated General
Contractors of Minnesota
Volunteers of the Year
Leadership Volunteer Team - MDA Leadership Consulting, Yvonne Kinney-Hockert of Consulting Solutions, and Rauenhorst Recruiting Company.
A team from Tunheim Partners provided much needed analysis of our community's perception of MEDA and also performed a communication audit.
Giving up his weekends, Lekueyen Lee, an IT expert from General Mills, helped several MEDA clients create and launch an internet presence.
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Client Annoucement
 MEDA Client and supporter, Visions Inc. acquires Printing Arts Inc. and Affinity Marketing.
Visions, Inc. of Plymouth, MN. has announced the acquisition of Printing Arts, Inc. of Brooklyn Park, MN., and Affinity Marketing of Edina, MN., making Visions, Inc. one of the largest Native American-owned marketing services companies in the United States. The new company will market itself as Visions.
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Board Spotlight 
Cathy Cruz Gooch
President
Cathy of Catallia Mexican Foods is just ending her first year of a two-year term on MEDA's Board of Directors. She joined the board after winning MEDA's Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008. Part of the recognition of her success as a business owner is the opportunity to serve on the Board and give MEDA and its management the kind of front-row, hands on perspective and direction that only an entrepreneur can give. Cathy says, "I really like the excitement and involvement of the board members. All of the MEDA board members are so engaged and really passionate about MEDA's role in the community and in supporting entrepreneurs of color. They are truly committed to the mission." And she adds, "they are a lot of fun too!"
Cathy has worked with MEDA for many years and her advice to the organization is to put more effort in finding new entrepreneurs to help. " Just like an entrepreneur must do, MEDA must invest some time in identifying new business owners, new faces to bring into our network and to assist in growing their businesses. The entrepreneurial drive never ceases - no matter what the economic conditions are because the dreams of an entrepreneur are not dampened - the true spirit of the entrepreneur doesn't go away when the economy fluctuates."
Her advice for her peers is to work within the community and network, give back, join boards and be visible as leaders because this is how she had an opportunity to meet the right contacts that would help her business thrive. "Being on a board connected me to the community and connected me to opportunity as well," Cathy states. As a MEDA board member, contributor and MEDA Gala sponsor, Catallia Mexican Foods and Cathy Cruz Gooch are what the MEDA mission is all about. |
MEDA Employee Spotlight 
Jan Jordet
Director of Development and Communications
Jan joined MEDA in 2003 with 25 years of economic development experience on both sides of the coin, providing business consulting and also working for several entrepreneurs of color. "I call myself a generalist because I have done everything from reception work to strategic planning to turn around management for small businesses." Now her role is to find smart investors to support MEDA's business development services. Today's economy makes it a tough job to raise money but Jan is confident in MEDA's economic impact and value to the community. "No other investment will create the kind of return you get from investing in the entrepreneurial spirit. Entrepreneurs provide half of all new jobs and they are what we need right now. And nowhere will you find more talented and determined people than in MEDA's clientele."
The main job for Jan right now is to attract sponsors for the annual MEDA Gala that occurs in November each year. This year's theme will be Fiesta Latina and will draw a wonderfully diverse crowd of 600-700 to the Hilton Minneapolis on November 14th. "The event provides about 15% of MEDA's overall revenues and is just a blast to attend!" To find out more www.medagala.net | |
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| Take a look at the new MEDA Website!!
SERVICES
EVENTS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
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| 2009 Accomplishments
Year To Date
358 entrepreneurs of color made it their business to succeed with MEDA.
Year-To-Date MEDA approved $614,000 for 5 loans and helped secure an additional $30,000 in loans from area banks.
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UPCOMING
EVENTS
June 4, 2009
Getting Started in Federal Contracting
Superior, WI
Custom Manufacturing for the Military Superior, WI
June 9, 2009
The Basics of Affirmative Action Brainerd, MN
June 9, 2009
Future Military Packaging Requirements Minneapolis, MN
June 12, 2009
Introduction to Government Contracting
St. Paul, MN
June 18, 2009
Custom Doing Business with the State of Minnesota Brooklyn Park, MN
June 18, 2009
Custom Manufacturing for the Military
River Falls, WI
June 26, 2009 "ABCs of WBE Certification" workshop Minneapolis, MN
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EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT SERIES (EDS)
Don't miss the chance to attend small group luncheons and meet these execs.
Limited to 25 entrepreneurs of color only.
August 19, 2009
Kenneth Powell, Chair and CEO - General Mills
September 15, 2009
Richard Copeland, CEO - Thor Construction
October 7, 2009
Andy Bessette
Executive VP/CAO
Travelers Companies
November 18, 2009
Mary K. Brainerd, President and CEO - HealthPartners
Mark Your Calendars!
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| Thank You To Our General Operating Supporters Since January
(in order of receipt)
The Minneapolis Foundation
Douglas Eden
Bruce Engelsma
Marilyn Dahl
Daniel Everett Miner
Firestorm Networking, LLC
Yvonne Cheung Ho
McKnight Foundation
General Mills Foundation
Fredrikson & Byron Foundation
TCF Foundation
Piper Jaffray EE Giving Program
James Scannell
Fred Harris
Deluxe Corporation Foundation
RBC Foundation
Maria Seiler
Cathy Cruz Gooch
Mariana Scott
Tim Wagner
Bush Foundation
Scott Ochsner
Ward and Kathleen Armstrong
Jim Faricy
Kathleen Riopelle
Travelers Foundation
Cargill | |
