MAYOR KILPATRICK�S OFFICE OF TARGETED BUSINESS TO HOST 3RD ANNUAL �CONNECTIONS FORUM� ON THURSDAY, MAY 29 AT COBO

Forum to detail new contracting & funding opportunities for Detroit businesses

DETROIT, May 13, 2008�Detroit based businesses interested in their chance to secure their place in the government contract bidding process should attend the 3rd Annual Targeted Business Connections Forum on Thursday, May 29 from 8 a.m. until noon at Cobo Exhibition & Conference Center.

The Targeted Business Connections Forum was developed to assist Detroit-based businesses learn about the process to compete for government contracts. Small and start-up business owners are encouraged to attend along with those looking to establish a business in the city.

�I want local businesses to thrive in the NEXT Detroit and one way for that to happen is to provide them opportunities to succeed,� said Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick. �If we have a Detroit-based business that is able to provide a service or product the city needs, I want for them to have a chance to compete for the contract. This forum will help them learn our processes so they are able to participate in the bid process.�

Registration for the Targeted Business Connection Forum is free and includes continental breakfast. Those interested in participating can RSVP online at www.MOTBD.com or call 313-628-6823.

The Targeted Business Connection Forum Schedule of Activities

8:00 A.M. Registration and free continental breakfast
8:45 A.M. Conference Presentation Ballroom Seating Opens

� Kenneth Harris, International Detroit Black Expo, MMBDC Director Minority Business Development and Strategic Initiatives
� Marja Winters, Director, Office of Neighborhood and Commercial Revitalization
� Fred Payne, Director, Office of Targeted Business Development
� Honorable City Councilwoman Alberta Tinsley-Talabi

9:45 A.M. Special Guest Speaker: John Mason (from Mason in the Morning)

10:00 A.M. Honorable Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick, City of Detroit

10:15 A.M. Presentation of City of Detroit Contractor�s College Graduates

10:45 A.M. BREAKOUT SESSIONS BEGIN
� Breakout A: City of Detroit Directors: New Contracting Opportunities for Small Detroit Businesses (Cobo Hall - Riverview Ballroom)
� Breakout B: Local Development and Resource Agencies for Detroit Businesses, Panel Discussion: construction, joint ventures, certification, online services, business plan development, supplier applications, etc. (Cobo Hall � Room WI-54)
� Breakout C: "Show Me The Money": Getting Small Business Loans, from traditional lenders to alternative lending resources, panel discussion with questions and answers; (Cobo Hall � Room WI-55)

The Targeted Business Connection Forum is being hosted by the Mayor�s Office of Targeted Business, the Office of Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick and the International Black Expo.