"Minneapolis' First Black Business Expo: Audit Uncovers Costly Out-of-State Vendors, Sparks Conflict of Interest Concerns"
An audit of Minneapolis' first Black business expo revealed that nearly half of the talent and services hired for the event came from out of state, raising questions about the relationship between the former head of the department responsible for the event and a Georgia company hired to manage it. Out-of-state vendors accounted for the largest expense, totaling nearly $270,000 in Minneapolis taxpayer dollars. The audit also highlighted concerns about the lack of diversity in vendor selection and the potential conflict of interest in the decision-making process. Recommendations were made for improved procurement and event planning processes going forward.
