RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 17, 2021
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RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the 54th Annual Chicago Business Opportunity Fair
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WHEREAS, on June 23-24, 2021, the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council Inc. (ChicagoMSDC) will host its 54th Annual Chicago Business Opportunity Fair (Fair). The theme of this year’s Fair is “Connecting the Dots: Business S.O.S.- Synergies! Opportunities! Solutions!”. The goal is to encourage participants to interact with other businesses in recognition of profitable opportunities and to explore valuable business solutions; and
WHEREAS, due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, the Fair will be held as an online event. Acknowledged as the first and largest local procurement conference, the Fair includes numerous online workshops that promote networking and the exchange of ideas and knowledge-based information. Traditionally, over 1,000 participants attend the Fair for an opportunity to connect with corporations, government agencies, and other minority businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Fair is consistent with the commitment of the ChicagoMSDC to support the development and sustainability of minority businesses through its facilitation of various initiatives and its consistent supply of educational tools and resources. Founded on the importance of forming partnerships between minority businesses and the wider business market, the ChicagoMSDC believes that productive business partnerships with minority businesses not only benefit the businesses themselves, but the larger economy; and
WHEREAS, as a part of ensuring that minority designation is not fraudulently obtained, the ChicagoMSDC reviews and certifies businesses that are owned by Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American entrepreneurs. To be certified, a qualifying individual must have a majority ownership interest in the business and the business must be physically located within the United States. Approximately 300 minority businesses are certified each year; and
WHEREAS, the ChicagoMSDC is one of twenty-four partner organizations which compose the National Minority Supplier Development Council. The ChicagoMSDC is a vital tool within the business sphere that increases the probability of success for minority owned businesses which might otherwise struggle with making valuable networking connections, obtaining essential resources, and acquiring indispensable business guidance; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) has been a pioneer in recognizing the expansive contributions of minority businesses. This recognition is evidenced by the District’s adoption and persistent advocacy of an ordinance which supports the legitimate aspirations of minority businesses; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize the 54th Annual Chicago Business Opportunity Fair and acknowledge the bridge that the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. provides to assist minority businesses in pursuit of success; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc.
Dated: June 17, 2021