The 2011 Minority Enterprise Development Awards Banquet, presented by RR Donnelley, will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 in the Azalea Ballroom, Spartanburg Marriott at Renaissance Park.  A Reception, sponsored by AT&T, will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by Dinner at 6:30 p.m.   

The evening’s keynote speaker this year will be Levon Kirkland, who instilled fear into the hearts of quarterbacks around the NFL as a linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles following his college career at Clemson University.  Kirkland was a two-time MVP with the Steelers in 1998 and 1999, played in the Pro Bowl in 1996 and 1997, and was voted to the NFL All-Decade 1990's Team. As a player, he's tallied over 1000 tackles in his career, 19.5 sacks and 12 interceptions.

In 1996, Kirkland was named to Clemson University's All-Centennial team and was inducted into the University's Hall of Fame in 2001.  He was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.  Retiring after 11 years in the NFL, Kirkland returned to Clemson and focused his goal on finishing his college degree in Sociology. He graduated in 2004, and continues to work with Clemson, coordinating minority recruitment in their admissions office for the University.

Kirkland also educates student-athletes across the country on the college recruiting process as an Educational Speaker for the National Collegiate Scouting Association and lends his talents to Woodmont High School as a linebacker coach.

Minority Enterprise Development Awards Celebrations and Banquets are held nationwide to recognize the contributions that minority business owners have made in our global economy. The Spartanburg Area Chamber’s celebration, like the national celebration, recognizes the accomplishments of the minority business men and women in our community.

"The numerous contributions of our diverse minority businesses and members create opportunities of business growth and development today for the future, says Rebecca West. This year's MED Awards Celebration highlights such accomplishments within our community."

During the evening, the 2011 Minority Advocate of the Year, the 2011 Minority Business Person of the Year, and the 2011 Rising Star Award (presented to an area high school student) will be awarded. 

Additional sponsors for this year’s event include:

Spartanburg Water, Platinum Sponsor | Hospice Care of South Carolina, Gold Sponsor | Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Gold Sponsor | Michelin North American, Inc., Silver Sponsor

Make plans to attend the 2011 Minority Development Enterprise Celebration.  Tickets are $40 each.  Register online here

For sponsorship opportunities or more information, please contact Yvonne Harper, (864)594-5032 or yharper@spartanburgchamber.com