Bank One's Parent Firm, MMBDC Present Free Business Development Works

Bank One's Parent Firm, MMBDC Present Free Business Development Workshops

    Business Editors

    DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 22, 2005--A little free advice can go a long way toward helping minority-owned businesses grow and prosper. That's why Bank One's parent firm, JPMorgan Chase & Co., (NYSE:JPM) and the Michigan Minority Business Development Council have put together four free workshops to aid minority business owners this year.
    The free series begins Wednesday, March 9, at 8:30 a.m. at Bank One's 611 Woodward offices in downtown Detroit. Additional half-day workshops are scheduled in June, September and November.
    Now in its third year, the quarterly workshops cover topics important to any business owner, said Adriene Bruce of JPMorganChase's Supplier Diversity group. On March 9, she will begin this year's series with a presentation on how to win and retain contracts. Bruce will help minority business owners understand and identify customers and their procurement requirements and learn how to win and retain contracts to provide goods and services.
    "JPMorganChase can contribute to the overall economic growth and expansion of the Detroit area by supporting a diverse business community," Bruce said. "My colleagues and I are glad to share our knowledge of finance, management and planning to help minority business owners. We're grateful to the MMBDC for continuing as our partner in providing more professional development opportunities for minority business owners."
    Other topics in the 2005 series of free workshops include presentations on:

--	How to secure a business loan, June 15, Nancy Tochman, Bank One Small Business Financial Services
--	Human resource management basics, Sept. 14, Fred Landsiedel, Bank One Human Resources
--	Succession and progression planning strategies, Nov. 30, Rod Hare, JPMorgan Private Client Services

    Participants say the series helped them prepare for business situations in ways they hadn't anticipated.
    "These seminars share administrative strategies that small businesses wouldn't normally consider," said John Afful, senior consultant, Afful Consulting. "We live in an age of knowledge and are quite fortunate that JPMorganChase is committed to sharing its knowledge with the minority business community."
    Minority business enterprises have relied on Bank One and the MMBDC for workshops that develop business skills and provide networking opportunities. Last year, more than 250 minority business owners attended the small-business workshops presented by Bank One and the MMBDC.
    "The business development series has been a powerful resource for minority businesses," said Wanda Harper, Professional Development Services director, MMBDC. "Opportunities for growth and development are critical in today's ever-changing business environment. The trainers do a great job of imparting knowledge, helping minority business owners discover new areas of growth and taking participants to a higher level of proficiency. The MMBDC is pleased with the partnership we have formed with JPMorganChase."
    To register for the JPMorganChase Business Development Series, visit www.mmbdc.com online or fax the online registration form to the MMBDC, (313) 873-4783. Call the MMBDC at (313) 873-3200 Ext. 117 or JPMorganChase at (313) 225-3033 for more information about the series or registration.
    Bank One merged with JPMorgan Chase & Co. in mid-2004 and operates a network of 245 branches and 370 ATMs in Michigan. The MMBDC facilitates and enhances successful business relationships between minority business enterprises and corporations and fosters reciprocal procurement among the minority business enterprises.

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CONTACT: Bank One Media Contact: Mary Kay Bean, 313-225-2831

KEYWORD: MICHIGAN INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING SOURCE: JPMorgan Chase & Co.

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