(BUFFALO, NY) “Connections 2006,” the Partnership’s Diversity Supplier Matchmaking Fair, will connect area minority and women-owned suppliers with procurement officers from major corporations during a half-day event October 18. The goal is to generate new customers for local minority and women-owned companies, and to help larger corporations expand their vendor base of qualified minority and women-owned business enterprises.

Partnership staff will prearrange one-on-one appointments. There will also be an area for networking with corporation representatives for those who are in-between scheduled appointments, or for those who purchase “networking-only” tickets.

The event will take place on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at the Buffalo Niagara Marriott from 8am-11:30am.

Representatives from minority and women-owned businesses, and procurement officers from local corporations who have current procurement opportunities are urged to sign up. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.thepartnership.org or by contacting (716) 852-7100.

Procurement officers from companies such as KeyBank, Enterprise Rent A Car and National Fuel will be represented.

“At KeyBank we strive to deliver financial solutions that make it easier for our valued clients to reach their goals. A big focus of that effort is on minority and women-owned businesses for which we have developed a number of targeted and unique programs,” said Sterling Kozlowski, president of KeyBank’s Western New York District, and presenting sponsor of Connections 2006. “Our support for Connections 2006 is a continuation of that commitment which is at the heart of our community banking approach to doing business, and we are very pleased that the Partnership developed this creative and vital program.”

Following the Matchmaking Fair, the Partnership is hosting the Minority Business of the Year Awards, beginning at noon at the Marriott. Awards in the categories of “New Minority Business of the Year,” “Minority Volunteer of the Year,” “Women-owned Business of the Year,” and “Minority Business of the Year” will be given. Corporate tables, sponsorships and tickets to the luncheon are available via www.thepartnership.org, or by contacting (716) 852-7100.

“Minority and women-owned businesses are one of the fastest growing business segments, and are well positioned to contribute to job growth, investments, and the overall economic health of our region,” said Andrew J. Rudnick, president & CEO of the Partnership, “It’s important that the business community, and community-at-large, recognize and support the strides these local business owners are making.”

Event Sponsors:
KeyBank
PrintEFX, WUTV- Fox 29 and MyTV Buffalo