|
Contact: Alan Fogg, afogg@fceda.org,
703-790-0600 (office) or 571-213-5065 (mobile)
FCEDA staff members receive community service award
The Parren J. Mitchell Foundation recognizes economic development work
Fairfax County , Virginia USA, November 13, 2006 – The Parren J. Mitchell Foundation bestowed its annual Community Service Award on two marketing professionals from the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). Karen Smaw, director of small and minority business development and Hatice Murphy, marketing manager in the FCEDA’s International Marketing Division received the award for their work in matching a minority-owned American firm with an Israeli-owned firm. As a result of the introduction, Falls Church-based Triumph Technologies and Israel-based Aracon are now working together on a project.
Smaw and Murphy received the award on November 3, 2006 during the Parren J. Mitchell Foundation’s annual awards dinner.
“Introducing companies to one another is just one of many services that the FCEDA provides to our prospects,” said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.
In 1950, Parren J. Mitchell was the first black graduate from the then segregated University of Maryland as a result of his succesful lawsuit for admission. He later became the first black U.S. congressman elected from the state.
The Parren J. Mitchell Foundation was established in 1996 by a group of successful business owners, many of whom were mentored by Congressman Mitchell, committed to cultivating future leaders in the minority community. The foundation works to secure educational and business opportunities for deserving students and increasing awareness of equal access issues.
Business growth helps Fairfax County fund public services, such as the nation’s top-rated school system and library, park, public safety and human services, which contribute to the quality of life of residents. Fairfax County offers businesses a state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure, access to domestic and international markets through Washington Dulles International Airport, and a well-educated workforce.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org) promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA’s Capital Attraction Program links technology entrepreneurs with potential investors. Another program supports the growth of minority- and woman-owned businesses. The FCEDA maintains offices in Silicon Valley, Bangalore, Frankfurt, London, Seoul and Tel Aviv.
# # #
| 
