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2008

The 2008 MatchMaker Conference and Trade Show was an overwhelming success and was our best ever! MatchMaker 2008 provided a forum for minority, women, and service-disabled veteran business owners, state purchasing officers and private industry to share ideas and develop business partnerships.

Highlights and accomplishments of the 2008 MatchMaker Conference and Trade Show included:

  • Governor Charlie Crist gave the keynote address at the Governor's Luncheon.
  • Governor Charlie Crist also participated in a roundtable discussion with business owners and 2008 MatchMaker Partners.
  • Malik Ali, President of the Florida Minority Supplier Development Council gave the keynote address at the Diversity Awards Luncheon. Both Secretary Linda H. South of the Department of Management Services and Chairman Matthew Carter of the Florida Public Service addressed the conference.
  • Attendance of more than 1,500 minority, women, and service-disabled business owners, local residents, and other community-based organizations.
  • One hundred forty (140) exhibitors/booths on the trade fair floor.
  • More than 2,500 One-on-One appointments conducted during the trade fair, representing more than 60 entities including state agencies, private sector corporations, city and county government, water management districts, hospital districts, and local school districts.
  • The participation of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, Florida Association of Minority Business Enterprise Officials, and the NAACP.
  • Ribbon-cutting ceremony with dignitaries included Secretary Linda H. South of the Department of Management Services, State Representative Joe Gibbons, Chairman Matthew Carter of the Florida Public Service, and Gary Harris, the first service-disabled veteran certified by the State of Florida.

With your support and participation, we will make MatchMaker 2009 even better!