Representatives of minority-owned companies will have an opportunity to learn more about how to do business with Wayne State University at the university's annual Minority Conference on Procurement set for Thursday, Nov. 7, 4-6:30 p.m., in the McGregor Memorial Conference Center on campus.

Wayne State President Irvin D. Reid will welcome guests, and key administrators will familiarize conference participants with the university's master plan, its planned new research and technology park, and important facts and tips on how to conduct business with the university. Guests will have an opportunity to chat informally with Wayne State buyers and administrators during a reception immediately following the presentations.

"This conference is an example of Wayne State's commitment to economic development in the Detroit metro area and reaffirms the university's dedication to providing opportunities to minority vendors in the community," says Faye Alexander Nelson, vice president for governmental and community affairs. "Encouraging diversity in its many aspects, including economic opportunity, has been high on President Reid's list of initiatives since his arrival at Wayne State."

John Davis, senior vice president for finance and administration, points out that the conference gives minority entrepreneurs an opportunity to become more familiar with Wayne State's needs and its procurement process. "We, in turn, are able to get better acquainted with potential suppliers," he says. To register for the conference, or for more information on the products and services the university purchases, visit the Web site at www.wayne.edu/wsupurch or call (313) 577-3734.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students in metropolitan Detroit.