Friday, October 06, 2017

The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Facilities will host the third annual Cape Fear Region Minority Enterprise Development Week Conference on Oct. 19.

The MED Week conference will begin at 8 a.m. at the Burney Center on the UNCW campus. This year’s theme is “Managing the Challenge of Change.” The deadline to register is Oct. 13.

Oscar Lewis, president of The Lewis Company, is the keynote speaker. Lewis is among minority innovators who are advancing the transportation industry. His company, a veteran-minority global air traffic systems and airport engineering firm, improves air traffic control safety, procedures and airport traffic flow efficiency. Lewis’s patent for the Smart Airport Landing System is in the testing phase with the Federal Aviation Administration.

“Mr. Lewis has such a diverse portfolio,” said Cheryl Sutton, UNCW Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion partnership liaison and Office of Facilities HUB coordinator. “His first love is aviation, but his company provides a diversified mix of products and services.” The Lewis Company’s clients include the federal government, pharmaceutical companies, local government agencies and energy companies.

Lewis, the 2016 National MBA of the Year, earned his Master of Science degree from Houston Baptist University and his undergraduate degree in computer science with honors from Alabama State University. He was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force and served as a squadron commander at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. While serving on the U.S. Air Force Inspector General staff, Lewis inspected air traffic procedures, training and operations at airports throughout the country.

Machelle Sanders, secretary of the N.C. Department of Administration, will deliver the Governor’s MED Week proclamation.

In recognition of UNCW’s 70th anniversary, MED Week will spotlight minority firms that have been in business for at least seven decades. A select number of UNCW business students will be able to network with business leaders during the conference. MED Week will also host a “Launching Leaders Lecture Series” presentation for Isaac Bear Early College High School students on Oct. 20 at Cameron School of Business.

“I envision UNCW as the nucleus for minority enterprise development in our community,” said Sutton. “Providing information, resources and learning opportunities to community businesses is an extension of the university’s core mission.”

Cape Fear MED Week is an example of UNCW’s efforts to capitalize on key partnerships and enrich the student experience as outlined in the university’s Strategic Plan.

Cape Fear Region MED Week recognizes the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs and honors individuals and organizations that support minority business development. The conference provides opportunities for networking and discussion of critical issues affecting business and economic growth. Cape Fear Region MED WEEK is among the events being held nationwide as a part of the national observance of MED Week, created by presidential proclamation in 1983.

For more information about Cape Fear Region MED Week, visit www.uncw.edu/MEDweek or contact Cheryl Sutton at suttoncd@uncw.edu.

-- Venita Jenkins

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