TONY AWARD WINNER RUSSELL SIMMONS IN ATLANTA FOR TOUR FOR SUCCESS SERIES

Joined by Tony Brown, host of PBSs Tony Browns Journal"

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) August 14, 2003 - Entrepreneur Russell Simmons, CEO of Rush Communications - the 2002 BLACK ENTERPRISE Company of the Year - has joined forces with Global Diversity Group, Inc. and Volvo Cars of North America to bring the "Business Exchange: 2003 Tour for Success" to emerging minority entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country.

Now in its second year, the ten-city tour will host its seventh event in Atlanta on August 20, 2003 from 9:00 a.m. -- 10:00 p.m. at the Atlanta Hyatt Regency. 265 Peachtree Street NE. Atlanta, GA 30303. Global Diversity Group will be hosting free interactive seminars from 9:00 a.m. -- 6:15 p.m., focusing on key business issues and trends. Keynote speaker Mr. Tony Brown, President & CEO of Tony Brown Productions, Inc. and the host of PBSs Tony Browns Journal," will be speaking at the 12:00 p.m. -- 2:00 p.m. Partnership for Progress Luncheon.

The highlight of the day will be "Success Stories" featuring Mr. Russell Simmons from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. A VIP reception from 8:00 p.m. -- 10:00 p.m. will conclude the event with live music, terrific food, great networking opportunities and Mr. Simmons.

VOLVO CARS NORTH AMERICA is offering a special price on tickets to the Partnership for Progress Luncheon and VIP Reception. If tickets are purchased for both events before August 13, 2003, the price will be $75.00 (per person). If purchased separated or after August 13, 2003, the tickets are $45.00 for the Partnership for Progress Luncheon and $50.00 for the VIP Reception (per person).

Global Diversity Group will also be presenting a new track in association with Clark Atlanta University called Youth Entrepreneurship Track from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. This track will target high school and college students who are looking forward to being a small business owner in the future.

The seminars and panel discussions will focus on a range of timely issues relevant to minority-owned businesses such as: Access to Capital," Effectively Using Technology to Improve your Business," Partnering with Corporate America," Sports and Entertainment 101-Reality Check: Top Things You Need To Know Starting An Entertainment Business" and Marketing your Business to Improve your Business." Business Exchange: 2003 Tour for Success" is sponsored by Volvo Cars of North America, Hewlett-Packard, Wachovia Bank, Cox Communications, and Office Depot. Local strategic partners include the Atlanta Business League, Georgia State Black Chamber of Commerce, and Clark Atlanta University.

"We want to provide minorities with business solutions to meet the challenges of the new economy and help lead them to success," said Melodie Cunningham, event producer and president of Global Diversity Group, Inc. "The event will offer participants invaluable information that they can utilize to launch, grow and successfully manage their businesses."

"On behalf of Volvo Cars of North America, once again we are extremely proud to participate with Global Diversity Group as the title sponsor of the 2003 Tour for Success. Volvo cares about the
development of minority business owners and we are inspired by their efforts to become a successful contributor in the diverse communities they are operating," said Maria Elena Carresse, diversity manager, Volvo Cars of North America. "Seminars such as these will help provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to receive additional insight from guest speakers and the chance to network with other business owners in their community. Volvo is proud to provide the participants and the speakers the platform to further develop their business and invest in the future."

Julian Acosta, multicultural marketing manager, Office Depot, shares this sentiment. "As the world's largest supplier of office products, Office Depot proudly supports the 'Global Diversity Groups Business Exchange: 2003 Tour for Success' and is committed to providing office supply solutions to entrepreneurs launching, managing and growing their businesses."

About Global Diversity Group

Headquartered in Columbia, MD, Global Diversity Group, Inc. is a unique network community that focuses on minorities interested in a "self-help" approach to starting and expanding businesses. Founded by Melodie Cunningham in January 2002, Global Diversity Group specializes in bringing together entrepreneurs, professionals and industry experts to share business concepts and to network through the utilization of various media outlets. Global Diversity Group launched its "Business Exchange: Tour for Success" in 2002 with Mr. Earvin "Magic" Johnson as a keynote speaker in the 12-city tour.

For more information on the Global Diversity Group, the "Global Diversity Group Small Business Exchange: 2003 Tour for Success," or to schedule an interview with Melodie Cunningham, please contact Zona Roulhac at 1.888.265.6480.