Detroit Black Business Expo Shares Management Strategies That Work Low-Cost Workshops on May 11 DETROIT, April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Metro Detroit business owners can learn effective financial strategies and up-and-coming entrepreneurs can hear advice on getting into business at the Detroit Black Business Expo from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, at Greater Grace Temple on Detroit's northwest side. The daylong event features keynote luncheon speaker Ron Hall, president and chief executive officer of Bridgewater Interiors, and keynote breakfast speaker the Rev. Jim Holley, pastor of Little Rock Baptist Church. Bank One, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the U.S. Small Business Administration's Michigan district officewill sponsor the expo. Hall's recent contract to provide seats to Ford Motor Co. is believed to be the largest between an automaker and a minority-owned U.S. company. An experienced small-business owner, Holley and his congregation formed a communitydevelopment corporation to help revive the business community near their north Detroit church. Now in its third year, the expo will offer morning workshops on: -- Managing your business and personal finances -- How to successfully supply goods and services to Fortune 500 companies -- How to use electronic banking technology to benefit your small business -- Access to venture capital -- Getting into business through a franchise "Last year's 325 attendees show that the business community is eager to tap into the knowledgeable sources available at the Black Business Expo," said John O'Brien, regional manager of Business Banking for Bank One in Michigan. "Bank One, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the SBA have brought together low- cost workshops on professional development and the financial information needs of existing and fledgling business owners." The event will begin at 8:40 a.m. with a welcome breakfast chaired by O'Brien and Samuel Bullock III, event chairman for Alpha Phi Alpha. "Through its emphasis on economic education, empowerment and independence for all in our community, the Black Business Expo remains consistent with our fraternity's aims: manly deeds, scholarship and love for all mankind," said Bullock. "We are happy to align our organization with such an effort." Sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. followed by the 12:30 p.m. luncheon, and the exhibits will remain open until 2:30 p.m. There is a $20 conference fee ($30 after April 30). Call (313) 225-2534 to register or for more information. Advance registration is required and space is limited. Greater Grace Temple is located at 23500 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit. Bank One also will offer an information booth about the Community Express loan designed to help business owners who might not qualify for other financing. Business owners in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, minorities, women and veterans may qualify for the loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. "SBA is pleasedto join with Bank One and the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity to deliver the third Black Business Expo in Detroit," said Richard Temkin, district director for SBA's Michigan District Office. "It is through these committed partnerships that we can serve the small business community most effectively." Exhibitors will share their ideas and services with expo patrons before the workshops and before and after the luncheon. Partners and technical assistance providers include: -- Booker T. Washington Business Association -- Corporate F/A/C/T/S/ -- Detroit Alliance for Fair Banking -- Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce -- Detroit Branch NAACP -- Detroit Entrepreneurship Institute -- Detroit Regional Chamber -- Detroit Urban League -- Jefferson East Business Association -- The Michigan McGehee Interfaith Loan Fund -- Michigan Economic Development Association -- Metropolitan Growth and Development Corp. -- Mexicantown Hubbard Communities Partnership -- Michigan Neighborhood Partnership -- Michigan Minority Business Development Council -- Oakland County Office of Community and Minority Affairs -- Oakland County Planning & Economic Development -- Office of Neighborhood and Commercial Revitalization -- Small Business and Technology Development Center -- Southwest Detroit Business Association Alpha Phi Alpha is the nation's oldest traditionally black fraternity. Bank One operates a network of 240 branches and 370 ATMs in Michigan. The SBA's mission is to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small business. DATASOURCE: Bank One Corporation CONTACT: Mary Kay Bean of Bank One Media Relations, +1-313-225-2831, Connie Logan of U.S. Small Business Administration, +1-313-226-6075, Ext. 279, or Samuel Bullock of Alpha Phi Alpha, +1-269-274-9641 Web site: http://www.bankone.com/

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