Entrepreneurial movers and shakers’ deeds applauded
The 35th annual Minority Enterprise Development Week, an undertaking of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, got underway Monday with the Minority Business Awards Luncheon in the Kendall Nugent Conference Center at Philander Smith College.
Myron Jackson, master of ceremonies and president and chief executive officer of presenting sponsor Design Group, broke the ice with trivia questions on events that took place during “MED Week’s” inauguration year, 1983. Guests also partook of lunch salad and heard a fiery, anecdote-enriched speech by Keith Jackson, former NFL player and founder of Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids, or P.A.R.K.
Awards began with the Minority Supporting Organization of the Year, presented to the Mexican Consulate of Arkansas and accepted by its head of post, Rodolfo Quilantan. Maf Sonko of international currency company LumoXchange was presented with the Minority Entrepreneur of the Year award. The Minority Business of the Year award went to Imprentta Printing and Signs, owned by Enrique and Miguel Fuentevilla.
The Minority Business Legacy Award went to Fitz Hill, now with the state Board of Education. In addition, Greg Modica of El Dorado was recognized by David Moody of the Small Business Administration with its Emerging Leaders alumni award.
Minority Enterprise Development Week continued with a Tuesday networking fiesta by the Hispanic Business Committee; a Wednesday Think Big Little Rock panel discussion; and a Thursday “Innovations and Libations” networking event.
— Story and photos by
Helaine R. Williams arkansasonline.com/galleries