Commerce Department Recruiting Industry Experts to Serve on New National Advisory Council on Minority Business

Board to help boost fast-growing business sector in the U.S.

The Commerce Department is recruiting leaders from the private sector to serve on the National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprise (NACMBE). The council will provide advice and guidance to the Secretary of Commerce on key issues, including policies that would best position minority-owned firms to compete in the global economy: access to capital, expanded participation in emerging industries, and improved access to the global supply chains of the world’s largest corporations.

“We want the best leaders to come up with strategies to positively influence minority-owned businesses across the nation,” Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “Expanding the minority business community will help economic growth over the long term. These businesses are creating jobs in our communities and we need to help them continue this trend.”

The NACMBE, appointed by Locke, will be governed by a 25-member advisory board with knowledge of business growth strategies and international markets. Locke will target individuals with experience in growth sectors like energy, healthcare, biotechnology and smart grid technology. Members will represent regions across the country.

The Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) will assist the Secretary of Commerce in overseeing the Advisory Council.

The recruitment notice is available through the Federal Registerhere. The deadline for nominations is May 10, 2010.