WARREN City to have minority trade fair

Prospective minority business owners can get information on loan programs and other assistance.
WARREN -- Women-owned and minority-owned businesses will get a chance to show off their services and network with other business owners at a Minority Trade Fair, set for noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at Packard Music Hall.
The city's Equal Opportunity Office is presenting the event, free and open to the public.
Cathy Bercheni, equal opportunity coordinator, said 50 minority-owned businesses from around the Mahoning Valley have already registered to participate, and there's room for about 10 more.
She hopes to make the fair an annual event.
Bercheni and representatives from Warren Redevelopment and Planning will also be available to talk about low-interest government loans and other assistance available to prospective minority business owners who qualify.
"Our mission is to help provide minority businesses with the opportunities they need to compete on an equal footing in the marketplace," said Bercheni, who assumed the coordinator position two months ago.
"I thought this would be a great way to encourage the minority businesses we already have and to give other people the information they need to get started."
Sponsors: Costs are being paid by the following corporate sponsors: Firstar Bank, Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority, Home Savings & amp; Loan, The Buckeye Review, 102 JAMZ, Sprint, National City Bank, Giant Eagle and Second National Bank.
Food vendors, a fashion show, entertainment and prizes will also be featured.
For more information, or to register a business, call Burcheni at (330)841-2739.