By DAMON C. WILLIAMS Philadelphia Daily News williadc@phillynews.com 215-854-5924

Even in these trying economic times, some businesses in the Philadelphia region are doing well.

Nine of them, in fact, are doing so well that their owners and proprietors will be recognized Friday at the annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week awards luncheon in Center City.

"We are honoring nine minority-owned firms in Philadelphia for their accomplishments," said Bilal Qay-yum, this year's awards chairman. "It has been celebrated nationally for years and locally for 23 years. This year, what's unique is that we're having a two-day event."

All-day workshops will be held tomorrow, followed by the awards reception at noon Friday. Both will be at the Sheraton Philadelphia Center City Hotel, 17th and Race streets.

The MED program was instituted under President Richard Nixon. On March 5, 1969, Nixon said: "We must seek to involve [minorities] more...

Cassandra Hayes, CEO of Bodacious Promotions has been selected to receive special recognition by the Minority Enterprise Development Award Committee.  She was selected as an entrepreneur who has distinguished herself and her business in the community.

The award luncheon will take place from 12 noon - 2:00 pm Friday, October 10, 2008 at the Sheraton Center City Hotel at 17th and Race St.

Bodacious Promotions donated $5000 dollars in prize money to the Kingdom Entrepreneurs Business Plan Competition sponsored by The Solomon Prinicple Group. 

Agatha Johnson of Africaribe Inc. walked away with the top prize of $3000.00

The Solomon Principle Group is a non-profit dedicated to providing Christian entrepreneurs, with the tools needed to sustain growth.