Bridgeport MBDA Business Center Held 1st Business Beyond Gaming Summit

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - May 25, 2015 - PRLog -- The Bridgeport, CT Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center, Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC), Bridgeport, and Boston MBDA Centers along with premier partners, The Native American Contractors Association (NACA), and Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA); held the First Ever “Business Beyond Gaming (BBG) Summit” on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at the beautiful MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM & RESEARCH CENTER.

Attendees took part in a day full of events with one goal in mind; to have open dialogues regarding the topic of doing business in Indian Country. Learning sessions centered around lively panel discussions Moderated by author Larry Keown based on his book “Working in Indian Country” followed by Luncheon with Keynote Speaker Sam McCraken, General Manager of the Nike N7 Program and Chairman of the Nike N7 Fund (Fort Peck Sioux Tribe) and an impromptu lunch panel which included corporations such as IBM, Electric Boat Corporation, Pitney Bowes and UTC Aerospace Systems.  The day began with an authentic Native Welcome ceremony, performances by Little Fox Dance Troupe,  Storm Boys. Guests enjoyed a Native themed lunch provided by Chef Sherry Pocknett (Mashpee Tribe); the information packed day ended in a reception with special guest Flutist Sherry Winston.  Throughout the day attendees had opportunities to interact with sponsors such as Staples, Foxwoods Resorts & Casinos, Lake of Isles, Kellogs to name a few (complete listing of sponsors available upon request)

BBG Summit attendees left with a sense of “new beginnings and hope for future” with MBDA Corporates and other business leaders, in-depth exposure to a wide range of business experts and innovative ideas were given.  Attendees were also given access to knowledge about available business development resources including financing and technical assistance for establishing successful enterprises.

About Bridgeport, CT MBDA Business Center:  The Bridgeport MBDA Business Center is dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of our Nation’s minority-owned firms.  The center is operated by the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development (GNEMSDC) and is part of a national network of centers located in major cities throughout the United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Primary funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s MBDA.  A complete listing of all MBDA Business Centers, their unique capabilities and contact information can be found at www.mbda.gov.