Urban Enterprise Center Receives $20,000 Grant from Bill and Melinda Gates

SEATTLE -- The Urban Enterprise Center of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce announced today a $20,000 grant from Bill and Melinda Gates to support current and future activities in the areas of job creation, business development and community forums on race.

The Urban Enterprise Center (UEC) is designed to revitalize Seattle's Central Area, Rainier Valley and Duwamish Corridor by bringing community resources together for mutual benefit. The UEC's mission is to create jobs, expand communication, promote business opportunities and support a sound infrastructure that contributes to a vibrant economy for all Puget Sound residents.

"Addressing economic development in our inner cities and establishing better race relations are some of the most critical issues for the 21st Century," Herman McKinney, Vice President of Urban Affairs said. "The gift from Bill and Melinda Gates signifies a major step toward continuing the Urban Enterprise Center's contribution to enhancing the quality of economic life for area residents and raising the level of racial understanding throughout the community."

The UEC's Corporate Jobs Challenge (CJC) program works to increase the number of employment opportunities for Seattle's minority citizens. Through the CJC, the UEC recruits companies that share the values of ensuring the racial equity and improving Seattle's inter-urban areas. More than 300 companies participating in this effort have already help place more than 2,600 minorities in jobs.

The Forums on Race program sets in motion conversations in our community on how to break down the barriers of race by increasing contact, expanding understanding, and building friendships and working relationships among people of different races in the Seattle metropolitan area. Major program components include a series of community events featuring nationally recognized public figures, such as presidential candidate Bill Bradley, NAACP National Board Chairman Julian Bond, NPR host Ray Suarez and author Toi Derricotte. Civil Rights attorney Morris Dees will be the keynote speaker at the community event on November 29, 1999. These events are followed by smaller community dialogues and dinner discussion groups in private homes.