UMT Participates in First Annual Asian-American
Small Business Showcase at Pentagon

ARLINGTON, Virginia, May 21, 2003 - The Defense Contracting Command-Washington and its Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization hosted the First Annual Asian-American Business Showcase on the Main Concourse at the Pentagon today. Many small businesses met with Department of Defense personnel and contracting officers during the day-long event.

Opening ceremonies featured a keynote speech by the Honorable Jay Kim, former U.S. Congressman from California. Mr. Kim described his success as founder of an engineering company, as well as his years of service to America. Opening remarks were offered by Col. Joe E. Conley, Commander, DCC-W. Following Col. Conley, Mr. Joel B. Hudson of the Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army presented a speech recognizing the importance of small, disadvantaged companies to the U.S. economy and to the Department of Defense. Mrs. Tracey L. Pinson, Director of the Army Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Office, discussed the program and services provided to help small businesses achieve equitable participation.

Dr. C. Eric Kirkland, who led UMT's presentation team at the event, commented, "What a wonderful opportunity for us all! We've met so many people who are sincerely interested in helping small, woman-owned, Asian-American companies like UMT. Everyone has been so helpful, helping us meet Education Services Officers and discussing our featured educational programs."

For the event, UMT focused attention on its newly accredited Acquisition Management program. UMT also offered information on its Project Management program. Below are some of the print-out information pages offered by UMT on this event.

Click on the following thumb images to enlarge.

Dr. Yanping Chen added, "As an Asian-American who came to America, I am proud for UMT to be invited to participate in this showcase."

May is Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month--a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. On October 5, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a Joint Resolution designating the annual celebration. In May 1990, President George H. W. Bush designated the month of May to be Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. May was chosen to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in 1843. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated with government-sponsored activities, festivals, and educational activities across the nation. The theme for 2003 is "Salute to Liberty."

Dr. Chen noted, "It is fitting UMT announced its Military Scholarship this month, coinciding with 'Salute to Liberty' and heroes of our United States military."

The scholarship program and the new Acquisition Management program received warm response from the military personnel in the Pentagon. The scholarship program plus the book scholarship eliminates out-of-pocket expenses for our military servicemen who are working towards a degree. The Acquisition Management program recently received accreditation.