Stephen Hayes Recognized for Increasing Trade Relations with Africa

 Hayes to receive the Ronald H. Brown Award for Leadership at MED Week Conference

WASHINGTON (September 5, 2008)—As the 26th Annual MED Week Conference comes to a close, the Commerce Department's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) proudly announced that the 2008 Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award will be presented to Stephen Hayes, President and CEO of The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA). 

“We’re proud to recognize Mr. Hayes for his commitment to facilitating the commercial relationship between the United States and the countries of Africa,” said MBDA National Director Mr. Ronald N. Langston.  “In addition, Mr. Hayes realizes the power of investing in Africa as a means of strengthening the global economy.”

Since its inception, CCA, under Mr. Hayes leadership, has been at the forefront as a source of the latest information on business across Africa, working closely with governments, multilateral groups, and businesses to improve the continent’s trade and investment climate, raise the profile of Africa in the U.S. business community, and most importantly, work with CCA’s member companies to increase U.S. investment in Africa.

Mr. Hayes has spent nearly all of his adult life in the international arena with an emphasis on diversity in his leadership positions.  CCA holds active leadership and coalition building positions on nearly all U.S.-Africa trade matters as well as issues relating to HIV/AIDS in Africa.  CCA has also developed strong public-private cooperation on U.S. policy towards Africa.

The Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award was inspired by the outstanding leadership of the late U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Ronald H. Brown.  As the first African American to serve as the Department’s Secretary, he was a staunch advocate for diversity in American business.  The Award recognizes individuals who are willing to take risks to achieve change and who have demonstrated exceptional leadership by significantly enhancing the development of diversity in the global marketplace.

The National MED Week Conference (medweek.gov) is the largest federally sponsored conference held on behalf of the minority business enterprise community.  MBDA, the only federal agency created to foster the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in America, organizes the event in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration and other partners to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of minority business owners and advocates, including the corporations and financial institutions that support minority business development.  The conference will also provide a venue to discuss critical business issues and strategies to foster the growth and competitiveness of the minority business community.  

MED Week top level sponsors include Dell, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon Company, Chrysler, and the publishers of Black EOE Journal, Hispanic Network Magazine, and Professional Women’s Magazine. 

About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

MBDA (mbda.gov), U.S. Department of Commerce, serves minority entrepreneurs across America who are building and growing enterprises.  MBDA helps minority-owned firms be better equipped to create jobs, impact local economies and competing successfully in domestic and global marketplaces.  With a nationwide network of more than 40 business centers and strategic partners, MBDA assists minority entrepreneurs and business owners with consulting services, contract and financing opportunities, bonding and certification services, building business-to-business alliances and executive training.

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