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OSBA to Host Community Meetings for Minority Business Owners

For immediate release on: Date: 9-15-2006
Contact: Hazel Oxendine, 561-616-6840

Responses are in to the minority business survey conducted by the Palm Beach County Office of Small Business Assistance (OSBA). The results of this survey will help OSBA determine why there has been a drop in participation in the County’s procurement process by African-American and Hispanic-owned businesses.

The survey questions addressed general knowledge of Palm Beach County’s procurement process, the capability of firms available to enter into procurements, how Palm Beach County government is perceived in the marketplace, and other important factors. OSBA is aware of general needs such as more education and outreach, but more input is always helpful.

OSBA officials are preparing for the next phase of this evaluation by inviting representatives of minority-owned businesses to speak with us personally at a series of community meetings scheduled over the next few months throughout the county. If you are an African-American or Hispanic business owner in Palm Beach County, we invite you to share your concerns and help us resolve any issues.

The meetings will be held on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Below is a list of the dates and locations.

September 26, 2006	Palm Beach County Library, Greenacres Branch 3750 Jog Road, Greenacres, FL
October 17, 2006	Belle Glade City Council Chambers 110 Martin Luther King Blvd. West, Belle Glade, FL
October 24, 2006	South County Civic Center 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach, FL
November 14, 2006	City of Riviera Beach Council Chambers 600 West Blue Heron Blvd. Room C-234 (upstairs), Riviera Beach, FL
November 28, 2006	North County Regional Library 11303 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

For further information, please call Hazel Oxendine at 561-616-6840.