-- Sheila Johnson, the first African American Woman Billionaire, Philanthropist, & Social Activist Inspires Minority Businesses: Receives Award and Joins MBRT Board of Directors

-- MBRT Partners with the Presidents New Americans Task Force, 8 Federal Agencies and the Institute for Social & Economic Development: invites Congressional Leaders to Luncheon Connecting with Minority Businesses

Washington, D.C. - Sheila Johnson, philanthropist and co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), the first cable television network aimed at African-American viewers,  will receive the Distinguished Social Entrepreneur & Lifetime Charter Member award on December 6, 2007 at this years Minority Business RoundTable New Americans Economic Development Summit Luncheon at the Hilton Hotel Embassy Row. 

"On behalf of our Board of Directors, we congratulate your outstanding achievements establishing the first cable network in the media, news and entertainment industry geared for African-Americans. The Minority Business RoundTable (MBRT) acknowledges your leadership abilities, creativity and compassion for children and youth in the arts and education, as just a few components of your international acclaimed success" said Roger A. Campos, President & CEO of MBRT. "Your example and influence will impact future generations of minority entrepreneurs."

Each year, MBRT recognizes the special achievements of internationally known individuals who have served as role models and given back to the communities they serve. In December, 2006 a special award was presented to TV Host Geraldo Rivera
for his success in television and the media. In December, 2005, this award was given to internationally acclaimed recording artist and known throughout the world as "Mr. Las Vegas", entertainer Wayne Newton for his patriotism and humanitarian efforts boosting morale among our military worldwide while serving in Bob Hope's shoes as Chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle.

MBRT has invited Members of Congress, Administration officials, philanthropists, foundations, think tanks and key policy makers working in underserved communities to reach out to each other and share best practices.  The Summit will cover topics including some of the pressing issues facing minority, immigrant and refugee business owners which are growing at a rate three times faster than non minority businesses and number over 4 million and employ millions of Americans.

"Events like the Minority Business RoundTable help create a dialogue to ensure that the issues facing minority business owners will be solved. These companies have the power to grow the economy, and with our help, they will succeed. I applaud the MBRT's efforts in supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of our country's entrepreneurs. We look forward to continuing our work together." House Speaker  Nancy Pelosi

"The Minority Business RoundTable plays a crucial role in both the business community and among many different minority populations. I commend them for their efforts and look forward to continuing to work with them on an agenda that promotes economic growth, opportunity, and ownership." Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman of the Republican Hispanic Conference

Luncheon space is reserved and will be limited so you must sign up and RSVP by December 3 at www.mbrt.net

About the Minority Business RoundTable:

The Minority Business RoundTable is the only national non-profit organization for CEOs of the nation's leading African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic-American, Native-American and other minority-owned businesses. Its members analyze and help formulate effective public policies that impact minority-owned business.  MBRT charter member firms earned gross sales from $53 million to more than $5 billion per company and employs between 80 and 4,000 people. 
 
The Minority Business RoundTable is proud to have Aerotek, Inc., one of the nation's leading provider of personnel services, the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of the country's leading corporations, the Kauffman Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Labor and other federal agencies as strategic partners.  For more information on the Minority Business RoundTable, please visit www.mbrt.net.
 
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Minority Business Roundtable
1629 K Street
Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20006
 
Contact: Roger A Campos
President & CEO
Minority Business Roundtable
202-289-8881
rogercampos@mbrt.net