The MECC has been recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the 2007 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year for the State of Iowa!

The MECC has begun the spring 2007 course. Habitat for Humanity, Neuman Brothers, the SBA and the Polk County Public Works are some of the business leaders who will network with MECC members in the course. Call Ben or Jon at (515) 243-2000 for more information

Ankeny Jaycees and Community CPA and Associates aid MECC members.

The Ankeny Jaycees gave the MECC a grant that was matched by Community CPA and Associates to provide MECC members a tax seminar on materials to retain for tax preparation. The assistance will also provide MECC members with tax preparation services for their company through Community CPA and Associates.

Polk County and Senator Harkin to

Announce New Affordable Housing Initiative in Des Moines

11 a.m., Wednesday, October 18, 2006

What:              Polk County and Senator Tom Harkin will kick-off a new affordable housing initiative that is the first of its kind in the country. The result of a $750,000 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant, the initiative will allow Polk County to drastically improve the landscape of low income housing in Des Moines.

Polk County Supervisors and Senator Harkin will gather to celebrate the sale of the first rehabilitated home.

Who:               Senator Tom Harkin

Polk County Board of Supervisors Chairperson Angela Connolly

                        Minority Enterprise Construction Council

                        Iowa Bureau of Weatherization

   HUD

When:             11 – 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Where:            1303 College Avenue

Des Moines, Iowa 50314

Background: Polk County will sell the home to Jennifer McCoy, a recent graduate of its Family Development Self-Sufficiency (FaDS) program. McCoy, 28, is a single mother of four young children.

Senator Harkin secured the federal HUD grant for the Polk County Board of Supervisors. The county will work with the Polk County Housing Trust Fund utilizing minority contractors to rehabilitate more than 200 public housing units.

Contact:         Sue Elliott, Project Manager

                        Polk County Board of Supervisors

(515) 286-3128