Volunteers needed for local small-business conference

(Dec. 5, 2003)--Volunteers are needed for the Bexar County and City of San Antonio third annual Small, Minority and Women Business Owners Conference from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.,Wednesday, December 10 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

With 1,500 participants at last year's conference, another large audience is anticipated for this year's luncheon keynote speaker, Gene Tabor, general manage of purchasing for Toyota.

Admission to the event is free, including a complimentary breakfast and lunch.

Volunteer shifts run from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with people needed especially from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"This is an excellent opportunity for your company to be visible, and no matter what time you can volunteer for -- we won't turn you away," said Frances Riojas, UTSA Institute for Economic Development training coordinator. "We encourage volunteers to come wearing your company T-shirts and bring everyone you can. If your target market is small, minority or women-owned firms, you'll never find a better place to meet them. And if your target market is large firms -- government or private companies --you'll never find a place with as many purchasers in one location."

--Tim Brownlee