Representatives of U.S. automakers spent quality time with minority-owned companies Monday and Tuesday in Montgomery, trading information on the business opportunities resulting from Alabama's status as a hub of automotive manufacturing.

The third annual Minority Automotive Supplier Showcase, presented by the Minority Business Participation Corp. at Alabama State University, was designed to connect automotive suppliers with representatives of Hyundai, Honda, Toyota and Mercedes.

Lamar P. Higgins, an associate with the Minority Business Participation Corp., said that while the lingering effects of Hurricane Ivan hurt attendance at this year's showcase, the quality of the presentations offered participants plenty of opportunities to gain a strong understanding of the types of products and services needed by the automotive industry.

Many trade shows are so huge that companies have limited time to show their capabilities to potential customers, he said.

"This is one of the few trade shows where an individual company can show its product to a manufacturer," Higgins said. "We think we have a niche."

State Rep. John Knight, who helped coordinate the event, said, "We are proud that Alabama is fast becoming the automotive industry capital of the South, and we hope to continue that growth of jobs and industry by inviting other companies to invest in our state."

"The impact of the automotive industry is mind-boggling. We've only seen the beginning," State Rep. Thad McClammy told participants. "There's a lot more going on than you see or hear. The state of Alabama will never be the same again."

McClammy promised residents of poverty-stricken counties that the economic gains from the automotive industry will extend throughout the region.

"We have a commitment that all communities that traditionally have been left out will be included this time," he said.

Henry Turner, who works in purchasing for Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, described the showcase as impressive, in part because it demonstrated how hard state and local governments are working to bring economic growth to the region.

"It's a very worthwhile endeavor," Turner said. "With various state and local governments involved, it shows they have a commitment to help local connections with the automotive industry in Alabama."
Turner also praised the involvement of Alabama State University and other historically black colleges and universities in linking students and minority-owned businesses with the automotive manufacturers and suppliers who are expanding in the area.

Glenn Donell and Joshua Forquer, representatives of The Bing Group, a Detroit-based supplier, said the showcase offered them rare access to major potential customers.

The Bing Group specializes in metal stamping, vehicle seat assembly, exterior rear view windows and sequencing systems for assembly lines.

Jim Duke, an account executive with MCA Administrators of Birmingham, welcomed the opportunity to showcase his company's health-care management services with representatives of automotive manufacturers and suppliers.

"I was impressed with the diversity of the people here," he said. "A lot of these companies now are small players, but give them a year and they'll be large players."