COMTO salutes Robert P. Madison and Bernette Williams on May 17

CLEVELAND - Two prominent Northeast Ohio leaders will be honored on May 17, 2003, by the Cleveland - Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO).

The mission of COMTO, a national organization established in 1971, is to promote full access to employment, career and contract opportunities within the transportation industry, by increasing the number of minorities in executive positions, and developing emerging professionals for senior management positions. COMTO also seeks to increase education and contracting opportunities through partnerships with the education/academic community, as well as minority and female business community.

Cleveland architect Robert P. Madison and Akron business professional Bernette L. Williams will be honored at COMTO's third annual black-tie Scholarship Banquet. The 7 p.m. banquet will be held at the Cleveland East Hilton, 3663 Park East Dr. at Chagrin Blvd. and I-271, Beachwood, Ohio.

Madison, a Harvard University graduate and internationally known architect, has worked in Cleveland since 1954. His architectural firm was the first by an African-American in Ohio and the ninth in the nation. He has been honored by four universities, and has received numerous awards.

Williams, a Kent State University graduate, is Executive Director of the Akron Community Service Center and Urban League. She has a compiled a history of leadership in the non-profit sector. Her involvement includes the American Red Cross, Akron Character Counts, Ohio Community Computer Center Network, Akron's First Night, Leadership Akron and many other groups.

This year's theme is Transportation - Building Bridges for Education, Employment and Economic Opportunity. Wayne Dawson of Fox 8 News is the master of ceremonies.

Proceeds will benefit the Garrett A. Morgan Scholarship Fund, which provides financial resources for minority students in Northeastern Ohio.

COMTO will award nine scholarships to students from the Cleveland-Akron-Canton area. "In keeping with our educational initiatives, we are also working to provide internships and job shadowing opportunities," says Myers Rollins Jr., President of COMTO's Cleveland-Northeast Ohio Chapter.

The event costs $75 per person. Tables of 10 are available for $750. To RSVP, contact:
* Richard Newell, Cleveland, 216-566-5026.
* Saundra Foster, Akron, 330-836-8838.

For more info on the banquet, visit www.riderta.com/COMTO



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