Women and minority entrepreneurs are invited to register to take part in a free program called “Business Not As Usual: Matchmaking 2010 3rd Annual Minority & Female Business Conference” from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 11, 2010 at Youngstown State University’s Kilcawley Center.

The program includes free developmental training sessions from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. as well as a business matchmatching event from 1 to 5 p.m., both in Kilcawley’s Chestnut Room.

The matchmaking sessions involve face-to-face meetings with representatives from a variety of public and private organizations that seek women- and minority-owned businesses with which to do business.

Melinda Carter, deputy director and state Equal Employment Opportunity coordinator for the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, Equal Opportunity Division, will be the keynote speaker at a luncheon from 12 to 1 p.m. in the Kilcawley Center’s Ohio Room. Carter is responsible for ensuring equity, fairness and diversity in employment and procurement opportunities in Ohio’s state government. Formerly the executive director of the Equal Business Opportunity Commission in Columbus for more than 12 years, she is a frequent speaker and presenter. Carter is passionate about the growth and development of minority-owned businesses and the protection and enforcement of civil rights.

This event is being coordinated by the Regional Chamber in collaboration with Youngstown State University’s Department of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, The Ohio Department of Development, and with the financial support of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, Youngstown State University, Home Savings, Staples Advantage, APEX Environmental Services, LLC and PNC Bank.

Among the companies recruiting minority and female-owned business vendors will be Humility of Mary Health Partners, Home Savings, Dominion East Ohio and Cuyahoga Community College, among others.

A continental breakfast will be available at 7 a.m. as well as lunch at noon. All activities are free. Ample parking will be provided on YSU lots since the event is taking place during Spring Break. Registration is required and can be made through the Regional Chamber online at www.regionalchamber.com under the “Event Calendar” link. Registration deadline is March 5, 2010. Late registrations will be permitted depending on space. Advance appointments for the business matchmaking session are required and should be made with Dorothy Boggio, director of Business Services, Regional Chamber, at (330) 744-2131, ext. 25, or Dorothy@regionalchamber.com. For more information about the event, contact Boggio.

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