For Immediate Release Contact:
Helen Copeland
Thigpen & Associates, Inc.
(330) 487-0933

Revitalization and Economic Development Focus of National Urban League’s 1999 National Economic Development Summit

New York, May 13, 1999 – Cleveland is rolling out the red carpet this month from May 26 to May 28, for the National Urban League’s 1999 National Economic Development Summit. Three event-filled days of workshops, guest speakers, and world class entertainment are headlines for this year’s Summit. Joseph T. Gorman, Chairman & CEO of National City Bank, is the Chairman of the Black and White Gala.

The National Urban League’s National Economic Development Summit will serve as an opportunity to gain valuable information about franchising, supplier distribution and other lucrative opportunities. It will also provide excellent networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, students, vendors, corporate professionals and anyone interested in expanding their personal economic development. Careers in Hospitality and other non-traditional jobs will also be explored. Highlights of the Summit include:

• Keynote addresses by The Honorable Michael R. White, Mayor of Cleveland; entrepreneur and boxing promoter Don King, and Aida Alvarez, Administrator, Small Business Administration;
• Breakfast with Tavis Smiley, political analyst for Black Entertainment Television (BET);
• Dr. Bessie House, noted author and lecturer, discussing her book, The Key Elements of Building A Successful Business;
• A golf tournament;
• A performance by Stephanie Mills at the Summit’s closing Black and White Gala.

The National Urban League is a leader in assisting African Americans and other minorities attain social and economic parity while achieving self-reliance through gainful employment and entrepreneurship. The Urban League of Greater Cleveland, the host for this year’s Summit, is an innovative group of dedicated members working to improve the social and economic status of its constituents.

"The Summit forums that have been developed illustrate the National Urban League’s – as well as all 114 of its affiliates – strategic commitment to direct our destiny for acquiring personal wealth," explained Myron Robinson, President and CEO of The Urban League of Greater Cleveland.

For more information or to register for the National Urban League’s National Economic Development Summit, call (301) 588-0000.

Founded in 1910, the National Urban League remains the premier social service and civil rights organization in America. The League is a non-profit, community-based organization headquartered in New York City, with 114 affiliates in 34 states and the District of Columbia.