Virtual event aimed at building diverse business relationships

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The Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity will play host to a virtual event aimed at building diverse business relationships.

“OSBO Business Academy: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” will feature a panel discussion of the economic benefits of a diverse customer base as well as strategies for increasing inclusion and opportunities.

The event will be held via Zoom on Thursday from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Registration is available online.

“This event will give our small- and minority business owners the opportunity to hear from top industry professionals,” Erica Wade, manager of Richland County’s Office of Small Business Opportunity, said in a news release.

Participants will learn “how to leverage resources and opportunities in the midst of chaos, build productive corporate relationships, become more visible without being aggressive and most of all, how to take care of your team for longevity,” Wade said.

Panelists include Colette Holt, attorney at Colette Holt and Associates; Ron Harvey, COO, Global Core Strategies & Consulting; Tre’ Tailor, Tailor Made Productions; Louise Connell, supplier diversity manager, BMW; Jimmy Chao, president, Chao and Associates Inc.; Dominik Mjartan, president and CEO, Optus Bank; Felicia Rhue Howard, vice president, Dominion Energy; and Kenston Griffin, founder and CEO, Dream Builders Communications Inc.

For more information, email osbo@richlandcountysc.gov or call 803-576-1540.