Chris Richardson, president and chief executive
officer-Square D/Schneider Electric, will chair the 2000 Sponsors Committee
for the 33rd Annual Chicago Business Opportunity Fair. Mr. Richardson's
responsibility is to promote "CBOF 33" within the major corporate community
in Chicago and nationwide.
The event, which is sponsored by the Chicago
Minority Business Development Council, will be held April 19-20, 2000 in
Festival Hall of Navy Pier. The theme is, "Supplier Diversity: A Vision
for the 21st Century."
In making the announcement, Carol A. Martin,
director of vendor diversity for Sears Roebuck and Co. and chairperson
of the 2000 CBOF Planning Committee, praised Richardson for accepting this
responsibility, which is pivotal to the success of CBOF. She also lauded
Square D/Schneider Electric for its commitment to supplier diversity.
Said Martin, "Square D/Schneider Electric
has been at the vanguard of promoting minority business development. It
is appropriate, then, that Mr. Richardson and Square D assume this role."
She further noted that Square D/Schneider Electric is "a consistent supporter
of CMBDC and has assisted in the organization's continued success."
Added Martin, "I speak on behalf of William
Buford, III, president - Reliant Industries, Inc. And co-chairperson of
the planning committee, as well as the entire committee membership in expressing
my gratitude to Mr. Richardson for accepting this leadership role."
In accepting the leadership of the 2000
Sponsors Committee, Richardson said, "Square D/Schneider Electric is proud
of its association with the Chicago Minority Business Development Council
and is looking forward to playing a leadership role in its 33rd annual
Chicago Business Opportunity Fair. Our involvement is a reflection of our
commitment to the growth and development of minority businesses and the
positive impact they have on the overall economic stability of Chicago.
With the synergy of the corporate community, the minority business community
and CMBDC, I'm certain that CBOF 33 will solidify its position as a leading
forum for building alliances between major purchaser and minority-owned
companies."
More than 4,000 representatives from the
corporate, governmental and minority business communities will attend the
Chicago Business Opportunity Fair, the oldest event of its kind nationwide.
For more information on CBOF, contact Betty
Heard at 312-263-0105 or access its website at http:www.cmbdc.org.