In an effort to increase the number of minority-owned businesses on the list of readily available contractors, The University of Toledo will host a discussion with Todd McGonigle, director of Ohio ’s Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE).

McGonigle will meet with business owners interested in learning more about the EDGE program, which helps socially and economically disadvantaged businesses secure contracts with state organizations or agencies like UT.

He will meet with interested businesses Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, in the Scott Park Auditorium on UT’s Scott Park Campus from 5 to 7 p.m. He will discuss the criteria for becoming EDGE-certified as well as the program’s benefits.

Chuck Lehnert, UT vice president for facilities and construction, said the University is fortunate to have McGonigle shed some light on the EDGE program.

“We are eager to contract with minority businesses,” Lehnert said. “Maybe he can get some businesses involved that we may have been overlooking.”

McGonigle also will take questions from the audience. A reception will precede the discussion in the Scott Park Cafeteria.

For more information or to RSVP for the event, contact Lorie Sarnes at [email protected].