The Carolina Regional Minority Partnership Coalition, a Charlotte group formed to push for minority business participation in contracts awarded for the 2012 Democratic National Convention, has launched a new website.

Coalition chairman, attorney James E. Ferguson II, said the site is designed to keep members and the community apprised of new developments, especially as it relates to minority contracts and the DNC.

Various officials have estimated that the convention will have a regional economic impact of $150 million to $200 million.

Ferguson said the coalition has met with local DNC officials and received assurances that minority contractors will no be left out.

“They’ve certainly voiced and expressed commitment, so I take them at their word” he said. “One thing we want to do is help them hold true to that commitment.”

Ferguson said the coalition would like to see the DNC adopt minority participation goals, which so far has not occurred.

“We think there ought to be some measurable goals in place so that success can be measured,” he said, “and we’re going to encourage them to do that.”
Ferguson said that as of Friday, the coalition had received between 75 and 100 membership applications. The membership fee is $50.

“We have not set a target for membership, nor have we set a limit for membership,” he said. “Our strength is somewhat in numbers, but not just in numbers. It’s in the broad spectrum of representation we already have.”

CLICK HERE to visit the website.
***

Excelsior Club to launch networking event

Speaking of minority business, Ferguson said Friday that he would soon launch a Wednesday, after-work networking event for minority business owners.

The event will be held at Ferguson’s Historic Excelsior Club on Beatties Ford Road.

“What we want to do is have a time and a place and an opportunity for people who are interested in networking with others…can do it in an atmosphere where they can be relaxed and they can have fun but at the same time they can promote their business,” he said.

Ferguson, a noted civil rights lawyer, said he views economics as “one of the last frontiers of inclusions for folks who have been excluded from the fruits of this society.”
 

Got news to share with Qcity readers? Email us at editor@qcitymetro.com.
Sign up for our weekly email newsletter below

Sign up for our Weekly Email Newsletter Email: For Email Marketing you can trust

Other Ways to Share Twitter Del.icio.us MySpace

Discussions and Submission Agreement