Louisiana Minority Business Centers Receive National Recognition

New Orleans, LA, July 19, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Two minority business programs operated by the LAMSDC received national recognition at the 2009 National Conference of the Minority Business Development Agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce held in Washington D.C. July 7-10, 2009.

Ranked and scored against like centers across the United States, the Louisiana Minority Business Opportunity Center (LAMBOC) was recognized with the Procurement Award for the highest volume of new contracting dollars secured for its minority business enterprise (MBE) clients. LAMBOC reported $70 million in validated contract activity between its MBE clients and public/private sector purchasing entities for the program year ended March 31, 2009. Accepting the award was Project Director Rivers Frederick who stated, "This award represents a lot of hard work. It represents a team effort between our staff, our board of directors and our buying partners to uncover and facilitate business opportunities for minority entrepreneurs."

Also recognized was the Louisiana Minority Business Enterprise Center (LAMBEC) for brokering $8 million in successful financial transactions for its clients during the same period. Financial transactions include but are not limited to commercial loans, lines of credit and bonding. LAMBEC provides technical assistance to its clients in pursuit of access to capital and is managed by Project Director, Norman Roussell.

LAMSDC President, Phala Mire, expressed, "this type of recognition is great for Louisiana and for local minority businesses who can be assured that not only do contract opportunities exist in our state; they are within reach. Our Council is committed to the growth and development of local minority businesses through the operation of these important programs and this award simply validates our efforts."

About LAMSDC
The Louisiana Minority Supplier Development Council (LAMSDC) serves to create access and promote opportunities for minority business enterprises (MBEs) in Louisiana. LAMSDC is widely recognized as the premiere minority business organization in the state and operates three (3) nationally affiliated programs benefitting local minority entrepreneurs.

One of 37 regional affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, LAMSDC is the only certifying agency in the state authorized to issue the nationally accepted MBE certification for the private sector. Having over 75 national and local corporate partners, LAMSDC is Louisiana's gateway to private sector contract opportunities and annually reports over $500 million in direct spending with and between its certified MBEs.

In addition to its MBE certification program, LAMSDC also operates the Louisiana Minority Business Opportunity Center and Louisiana Minority Business Enterprise Center for the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency. Both the LAMBOC and LAMBEC were awarded to LAMSDC through separate competitive bid processes. LAMSDC is headquartered in New Orleans and has a regional office in Baton Rouge. For more information on any of the LAMSDC programs, call 504.299.2960 or visit www.LAmsdc.org.

Website: http://www.LAmsdc.org

Contact Information:
Louisiana Minority Supplier Development Council
Phala K. Mire
President
504-299-2960

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