Speeches/Remarks

The Minority Business Development Agency: Enhancing the Prospects for Success

Chairman Rush, Ranking Member Radanovich, and Members of the Subcommittee:

Thank you for inviting the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) here today to discuss how MBDA and the Department of Commerce is helping create wealth and jobs in the minority business community and the global economy.

My name is David A. Hinson and I am the National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency, which is an operating bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce.  I was appointed as the MBDA National Director by Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on July, 15, 2009 and, prior to joining MBDA, I was President and CEO of a multi-million dollar independent, financial advisory boutique.

Joining me today are Edith McCloud, Associate Director for Management, and Efrain Gonzalez, Chief of the Office of Business Development.  They play integral roles in implementing our programs and are both experts in the field of minority business development.

My testimony is organized around three major discussion points.  First, I will provide an overview of MBDA and its accomplishments in assisting the minority business community.  Second, I will briefly address the barriers faced by minority-owned businesses.  Third, I will discuss why MBDA is an important catalyst in building a stronger minority business community. 

AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY Thursday, August 27, 2009

Good morning and welcome to the 2009 MED Week Conference.

Over the next few days, you will have the opportunity to learn, to network and hopefully create new relationships that will ultimately help your businesses grow.

I am proud to represent the President of the United States, Barack Obama and Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke, as National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency.

While President Obama and the First Lady will not be able to attend this event, they send their greetings.

I am pleased to confirm that Secretary Gary Locke will address this conference later today, and Ed DeSeve and Van Jones from the White House will be here on Friday.