WEDC minority business development director receives statewide award for leadership

MADISON, WI. Feb. 15, 2019 – Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Minority and Small Business Development Director Seyoum Mengesha has been named a recipient of the 2019 Golden Champion Award, which honors leadership in minority business development in Wisconsin.

The award, given by the National Association of Minority Contractors of Wisconsin in coordination with the Wisconsin DBE Unified Certification Program Partners, was presented at the 33^rd Annual DBE Workshop and Secretary’s Golden Shovel Awards, held February 13-14 at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee.

The annual conference was hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the National Association of Minority Contractors of Wisconsin and highlighted resources and opportunities necessary for minority businesses to be competitive and profitable in Wisconsin’s construction industry.

Mengesha, who has worked for the State of Wisconsin since 2006, has an extensive and impactful background in minority business development. In his role at WEDC, Mengesha has overseen the launch and growth of revolving loan funds that provide funding and technical assistance to businesses and are administered through the minority chambers of commerce that are among WEDC’s Key Strategic Partners.

Mengesha is also the lead organizer of MARKETPLACE, the Governor’s Conference on Minority Business Development, which is hosted by WEDC in partnership with the public and private sectors to help diverse businesses gain access to contract opportunities and business growth resources.

“WEDC is proud of Seyoum’s ability to work with local partners to develop and implement customized solutions for minority-owned, veteran-owned and women-owned businesses in underserved communities, along with establishing the Ethically Diverse Business Coalition, which collectively identifies issues and solutions,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development organization.

Recipients of the Golden Champion Awards are selected based on their years of service, collaborative efforts, business relationships, resources, support, insight and more.

The National Association of Minority Contractors is a nonprofit trade association established in 1969 to address the needs and concerns of minority contractors.

About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing and maximizing opportunities in Wisconsin for businesses, communities and people to thrive in a globally competitive environment. Working with more than 600 regional and local partners, WEDC develops and delivers solutions representative of a highly responsive and coordinated economic development network. Visit wedc.org or follow WEDC on Twitter @WEDCNews to learn more.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.