February 16, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Minority and women business owners concerned about increasing their cash flow are invited to attend a "Business Opportunity Loan Fair" presented by the UAB Office of the Vice President for Equity and Diversity and the UAB Department of Supplier Diversity. The event will be held 7:30 a.m.-noon, Monday, Feb. 23, at the Hill University Center, Great Hall, Rooms C and D and Auditorium, 1400 University Blvd. Registration will be held 7:30-8:45 a.m. The event is free. For more information, contact the UAB Department of Supplier Diversity at 205-934-8762.

The event will feature experts who will offer minority and women business owners information and tips on how to survive the downturn in the economy and how to establish better relations with banks and other financial institutions. Participants also will learn about new technologies that can help small business owners streamline their operations and improve their cash flow.

The plenary session, "Profiting in a Bailed-Out Economy," will be held 9-10 a.m. in the Hill University Center, Auditorium, 1400 University Blvd. Panelists will include Robert Dickerson Jr., executive director of the Birmingham Business Resource Center; Alan Ridgeway, senior partner and human resources consultant with Amsource; Ivan Holloway, vice president with Seedco Financial Alabama; and Herman Williams, vice president of emerging markets for Regions Bank. George Davis of Preferred Strategies will facilitate the panel discussion.

Representatives from financial institutions also are welcome to attend. Business owners attending the event are encouraged to bring business cards, brochures and company profile information.