UMUC to Host the Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise Award Ceremony

TOP 100 WINNERS ANNOUNCED TODAY

Award Recognizes Women and Minority Entrepreneurs Who Have Made Significant Contributions

What:      The University of Maryland University College (UMUC), in conjunction with the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and Maryland’s Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs, will host the Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise Awards Ceremony. These awards recognize women and minority entrepreneurs that fuel the nation’s economy through their innovation, sacrifice and dedication. The awardees are living their dreams and making significant contributions to their clients, professions, industries and communities.  Sharon R. Pinder, President and CEO of The Pinder Group created the awards program.  Three individuals will receive the esteemed title of “Business Legend.” This award honors those individuals who have reached a pinnacle in their profession and in serving their community. The following are the “Business Legends” for 2007 –· Raymond Haysbert, president of the President’s Roundtable and Chairman of the Forum Caterers· Dorothy Brunson, media and real estate mogul  · Joshua Smith, chairman and managing partner of The Coaching Group, LLC. 

This year, an inaugural “Parren J. Mitchell Vanguard for Justice” award, named for the late congressman, will be given to:

·          Harry Alford and Kay DeBow Alford, founders of the National Black Chamber of Commerce.

·        Anthony Robinson, Esq., president of the Minority Business Development Legal Defense Fund  Candidates are selected based on the following categories: eligibility, entrepreneurship, professionalism and community contributions. At the time of selection, these candidates must have been in good standing with the State of Maryland, District of Columbia or Virginia and conduct business in Maryland. The selected candidates have introduced a new product, process or service into the market, and are actively involved with a professional organization. Judges also made their selections based on the amount of time and effort the candidates contributed to the community through volunteer work.   (The names of the 2007 Top 100 Minority Business Entrepreneurs www.top100mbe.com/2007winners.htm.)   

When:             Thursday, November 8, 2007      5:30 to 8:30 p.m.                                   

Where:            Inn and Conference Center University of Maryland, University College3501 University Blvd EastAdelphi, Md. 20783 301-985-7753 

Information:      For additional information about this event, visit www.top100mbe.com. Media Contacts:  Alecia White at (410) 504-8324 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  :            Ashley Hrycyk at (410) 504-8304 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it