Roger L. Powell, Chair, VIU Business Programs Department was recently selected as the Washington, DC Minority Business Enterprise Center (DC MBEC) “Advocate of the Year” for 2007.  Mr. Powell received his award Thursday evening December 6 in a ceremony at SunTrust Bank in Washington, DC.  The commemorative award is on display in the lobby of the Pender Drive campus.

 DC MBEC is a business consulting development agency located in the Nations Capital and is committed to increasing economic parity in performance between minority and non-minority companies. Their mission is to enhance the economic performance and growth of minority business enterprises (MBE’S) in the National Capital Region by providing assistance for:

• Accessing Capital
• Increasing Market Share
• Improving Business process

VIU, as a Resource Partner, will provide MBE’S qualified graduate and undergraduate students for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) which is the equivalent of an Internship.  MBE’S will provide training and grade-appropriate business experience for students enabling them the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a business environment.

In addition, VIU may provide panelists or speakers for participation in DC MBEC business development themed events, and may provide training and development workshops for MBES on a limited basis.

DC MBEC recently hired a Spring 2007 VIU MBA graduate for a full-time Business Analyst position and will sponsor her for an H-1B visa!