Gala Announcements
The Gala committee is proud to announce this year's MEDA Gala honorary Co-chairs, Cathy Cruz Gooch, and Anthony Heredia.
Cathy Cruz Gooch and Tony Heredia are both MEDA board members. Cathy is president of Catallia Mexican Foods, LLC and Tony is Vice President, Corporate Risk & Responsibility at Target.
The honory co-chairs will contribute to the gala fundraising efforts while sharing thier ideas with the rest of the Gala Committee. They are a great addition to the committee and will help to make this year's gala another fabulous event!
"We are thrilled to have Tony and Cathy join us in making the Fiesta Latina Gala a successful event!" said, Jan Jordet, Development Director, MEDA."Thanks for joining the gala committee, Cathy and Tony!"
  Anthony Heredia Cathy Cruz Gooch
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| Economic Development will be CLAC's Focus for Next Legislative Session
 In July MEDA joined with the Chicano Latino Affairs Council (CLAC) to hold a roundtable discussion of ways to help Minnesota Latinos participate fully in the economy. This biennium CLAC is focusing on economic development and identifying barriers and opportunities to support legislation that would advance improvement of workforce skills, business creation and employment.
MEDA consultant, Edgardo Rodriguez (pictured above), who serves on the council as a Governor appointee, gave a background presentation to over 30 participants that included government, foundation and economic development organization representatives. The roundtable concluded with the creation of a task force to help CLAC develop an assessment around Latino economic development efforts and the use of federal funding to encourage full participation. For more information, contact Oscar Echandi at 651-284-3035 or Rosa Tock at 651-296-2992.
MEDA will continue to be involved in the creation and growth of Latino-owned businesses as it helps all entrepreneurs of color succeed.
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New Board Chair 
Jim Scannell, is Senior Vice President of Administrative Services at Travelers Companies and has been a MEDA Board Member for almost 9 years. In June, Jim became MEDA's new Board Chair. His new role includes providing leadership and encouragement to the Board of Directors.
Jim joined the MEDA board because he found our goals and objectives were addressing the vital needs of our communities. "I felt that through my experience and work role I could add value to the organization and in turn to the clients of MEDA". Scannell, said.
Jim finds the enthusiasm of the employees and volunteers to be amazing. "They are focused on helping the clients of MEDA - working long hours and establishing relationships that carry forward long after the completion of their task". Scannell, said.
Throughout his years on the board, Jim has developed a much better understanding of the challenges that every minority entrepreneur meets as they compete in this global economy. "I am so impressed with the minority entrepreneurs themselves - especially their willingness to step into risky situations as they strive to build their businesses".
He is excited to help establish a new strategic plan that will guide MEDA through the next three years. "There will continue to be many challenges with our economy but with those challenges will also be many opportunities. The organization needs to be ready to respond" Scannell, said.
We welcome Jim as our new board chair and look forward to his leadership and guidance throughout his term.
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The latest news and opportunities at the
MEDA Website!
SERVICES
EVENTS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
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2009 Accomplishments Year To Date
410 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 $170,000 in loans from area banks.
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UPCOMING
EVENTS
August 26, 2009
Out-State
Procurement Fair Mahnomen, MN
November 11, 2009
ABCs of WBE Certification" workshop
Minneapolis, MN
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August 27, 2009
Workshop with Fredrikson and Byron:
Have a Plan: Understanding your partners and shareholders. Click here
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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.
September 15, 2009
Richard Copeland, CEO - Thor Construction
October 7, 2009
Andy Bessette,
Executive VP/CAO
Travelers Companies
October 20, 2009
Kenneth Powell, Chair and CEO - General Mills
November 18, 2009
Mary K. Brainerd, President and CEO - HealthPartners
Mark Your Calendars!
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Thank You To Our General Operating Supporters in July
Deluxe
Corporation
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Get Connected... MEDA is on Facebook
To become a fan of MEDA click HERE. click "become a fan". We hope to see you online. | |
