Regional Director, Bob Young welcomed and participated in the Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce Business Roundtable in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, January 26, 2007. The event was held at the HUD Atlanta Regional Office building in the Regional Director's Conference Room. The theme for the Business Roundtable was "Where Do We Go From Here" a 2007 Initiative for Small/Minority Businesses.

Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce Business Roundtable.

Regional Director Young explained the importance of empowering small and disadvantaged businesses in this country. He further expanded on the opportunities that HUD has provided through its Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Program, a commitment from the HUD Agency to provide access to its procurement dollars for businesses large or small.

The group discussion focused on enhanced opportunities, new initiatives, and access to capital. HUD's Section 3 Coordinator for Field Policy and Management gave an overview of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) and the Section 3 Program.

Regional Director Young explained the importance of empowering small and disadvantaged businesses in this country.

The 25 industry leaders came from the private and public sector including the City of Atlanta, BB&T Bank, Consulting and Public Relations Firms, and Housing Developers. Also, participating in the meeting was Georgia HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing. Teresa Chappell, Special Assistant to the Regional Director moderated the meeting.