Black Enterprise Media Kit

NATION’S LARGEST BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES HONORED AT ENTREPRENEURS CONFERENCE IN COLUMBUS, OH, MAY 15-18

Alfred Edmond, Jr. — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:54:29 +0000

BE 100s Companies of the Year to be Celebrated at Awards Gala at 2013 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo

(New York, NY) May 6, 2013—BLACK ENTERPRISE will hold its 2013 Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo hosted by Nationwide Insurance on Wednesday, May 15 through Saturday, May 18 at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. An annual highlight of the conference is recognition of the Black Enterprise 100s: The Nation’s Largest Black-Owned Companies, and the BE 100s Companies of the Year. The CEOs of the 2013 Industrial Service Company, Auto Dealership, Financial Company and Advertising Agency of the Year will be honored at the BE 100s Dinner and Awards Gala, to be hosted by The Ohio State University and Limited Brands on Friday, May 17, at the convention center.

“Each year since 1973, we’ve identified and ranked our BE 100s, America’s largest black-owned companies, in the June issue of Black Enterprise magazine,” said Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., President and CEO of Black Enterprise. “The CEOs of our Companies of the Year are among our nation’s most outstanding entrepreneurs. They set a standard of achievement to which all of our Entrepreneurs Conference attendees aspire.”

“Nationwide Insurance is proud of our partnership with Black Enterprise and the opportunity to serve as the host sponsor of the 2013 Black Enterprise Entrepreneur Conference +Expo,” said Nationwide Chief Administrative Officer Gale V. King. “We understand that being in business for yourself takes dedication, commitment and hard work. The coveted BE 100s represents the best of the best and sets the bar for excellence and innovation. We congratulate all who are being recognized this year.”

The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo, which annually brings together more than 1,200 of the country’s leading entrepreneurs and corporate executives, is designed to provide attendees with the newest and most innovative strategies from today’s top business minds and provide high-powered networking opportunities critical to their efforts to take their businesses to the next level, from successful launch to growth and profitability. This year’s BEEC theme: Accelerate Your Business.

The BE 100s Companies of the Year are selected by the Black Enterprise Editorial Board based on eligible financial performance in 2012, as well as significant achievement, resilience in the face of economic and market challenges, management innovation and industry leadership. The 2013 BE 100s Companies of the Year:

Industrial/Service Company of the Year: Hightowers Petroleum, Middletown, OH; CEO, Stephen L. Hightower. Business: Petroleum Products Distribution

Auto Dealer of the Year: March Hodge Automotive Group, Tampa, FL; CEOs, Anthony March, Ernest Hodge. Business: Retail sales for automakers including Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Jaguar, Volvo, Volkswagen, Nissan, Infinity, Land Rover.

Financial Services Company of the Year: Vista Equity Partners, San Francisco, CA; CEO, Robert F. Smith. Business: Private Equity (focus on technology)

Advertising Agency of the Year: Walton Isaacson, Los Angeles, CA; CEOs, Aaron Walton/Cory Isaacson

Other confirmed speakers for the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference include:

Robert L. Johnson, Founder & Chairman, The RLJ Companies
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Founder & CEO, Magic Johnson Enterprises
Robert Townsend, Actor, Director & Filmmaker
Dr. Dennis Kimbro, Educator & Author of The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires
Frans Johansson, Founder & CEO, The Medici Group and bestselling author of The Medici Effect and The Click Moment.
Tim Reese, Co-Founder, National Minority Angel Network and Managing Partner, Forge Intellectual Capital
Jeff Clanagan, CEO, Code Black Entertainment
Melinda “Small Biz Lady” Emerson, CEO, SucceedAsYourOwnBoss.com
Amos Winbush, Founder & CEO, CyberSynchs LLC
Scott Gerber, Founder, Young Entrepreneurs Council and Co-Founder, Gen Y Capital Partners
Hajj Flemings, Founder & CEO, Brand Camp University
Lauren Maillian Bias, Founding Partner, Gen Y Capital Partners and CEO, Luxury Marketing Branding
Wayne Sutton, Founder & CEO, PitchTo Inc.

The 2013 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference hosted by Nationwide Insurance boasts high-powered sessions on critical business topics such as International Business, Finding Angel Investors, Social Media Marketing, The Art of Creative Partnerships, Corporate Procurement, Business Coaching, Protecting Your Idea/Invention, Franchising, Selling Online, Generating Cash for your Tech Start-up, Using Search Engine Optimization to Sell Your Goods and How to do Business with the Government.

For the aspiring entrepreneur, The Small Business Success™ Bootcamp offers a step-by-step approach to kick-starting a new enterprise. Plus, the Black Enterprise Elevator Pitch Competition will award $10,000 for the best new business idea and the Teenpreneur program will teach business fundamentals to youths, ages 13-17.

For updates, follow BLACK ENTERPRISE Entrepreneurs Conference page on Facebook and search the #BEEC hash tag on Twitter.

The 2013 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo hosted by Nationwide is presented by American Express, DELL, PepsiCo and Walmart. Platinum sponsors include FedEx Express and Wendy’s International. Corporate Sponsors include The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and PR Newswire.

SOURCE BLACK ENTERPRISE

Media Contact: Alfred Edmond Jr., edmonda@blackenterprise.com, 212-886-9585

BlackEnterprise.com is the leading website for Money, Small Business and Career development. Providing executive and entrepreneurial resources, information, and profiles on the topics of money management, employment, career and start-up development, BlackEnterprise.com features expert resource articles, original video packages, and blogs, customized to empower its niche audience while consistently providing universal resource-value.

black enterprise, your ultimate source to build Wealth for Life, is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, be has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Every month, black enterprise magazine provides 4 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. A multimedia company, be also produces television programming, business and lifestyle events, Web content, and digital media. Visit www.blackenterprise.com for more information.

About Nationwide

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. The company provides customers a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, pet, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and specialty health services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, the Nationwide frame mark, and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

OUTSTANDING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS TO BE HONORED AT ENTREPRENEURS CONFERENCE IN COLUMBUS, OH, MAY 15-18

Alfred Edmond, Jr. — Mon, 06 May 2013 15:58:47 +0000

Winners in Four Categories To Be Revealed Among 12 Finalists at the 2013 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo

(New York, NY) May 6, 2013—BLACK ENTERPRISE will hold its 2013 Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo hosted by Nationwide Insurance on Wednesday, May 15 through Saturday, May 18 at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. An annual highlight of the conference is the Black Enterprise Small Business Awards, which gives national recognition to the outstanding African American entrepreneurs who own some of America’s best small businesses. Twelve finalists in four categories—Innovator of the Year, Family Business of the Year, Franchise Owner of the Year and Teenpreneur of the Year—hail from across America, span a diverse range of industries and include entrepreneurs as young as 13 years old.

“Each year, our search for outstanding examples of entrepreneurial spirit and excellence for our Small Business Awards is abundantly rewarded,” said Derek T. Dingle, Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of Black Enterprise magazine. “This year is no exception, as we’ve identified small business owners with innovative and profitable enterprises in markets ranging from technology and construction to home repair and eco-friendly fashion. All 12 of our nominees inspire all of us; they are what our Entrepreneurs Conference is all about.”

“Nationwide Insurance is proud of our relationship with Black Enterprise and the opportunity to support the important initiatives like the Small Business Awards program,” said Nationwide Chief Executive Officer Steve Rasmussen. “This year’s honorees represent the best of the best and are inspiring examples of the type of innovation and originality that create jobs and drive economic development.”

Finalists for the Black Enterprise Small Business Awards were selected by the editors of Black Enterprise from a pool of nominees submitted to BlackEnterprise.com during the past year. This year’s finalists will be honored at the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference Small Business Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 15; the winners will be announced at that time. Finalists, by category:

Innovator of The Year: Honors a business flourishing in an innovative industry or approaching entrepreneurship in a groundbreaking manner via their products or services

Meta Layer Inc.

Jonathan Gosier, Co-Founder and Product Director; Mathew Griffiths, Co-Founder, Director of Platform:

Philadelphia, PA

Type of Business: cloud-based data visualization software developer

www.metalayer.com

In a world increasingly reliant on data analytics, Meta Layer’s applications make worldwide information easier to understand, visualize and share. Jonathan D. Gosier, 31, and his business partner Matthew Griffith, founded the company in 2011. Meta Layer offers big data solutions to governments and enterprise customers, in areas of public safety, intelligence, disaster response, and law enforcement.

Pathbrite Inc.

Heather Hiles, CEO and Founder

San Francisco, CA

Type of Business: online portfolio platform developer

www.pathbrite.com

Heather Hiles founded Pathbrite in 2012 and is the developer of its e-portfolio platform, which helps students to collect, track and showcase their achievements. Pathbrite is the only e-portfolio platform in the market providing electronic copies of students’ ACT test scores. Some 25 colleges and universities have adopted Pathbrite.

Uncharted Play Inc.

Jessica O. Mathews, CEO and Co-Founder; Julia Silverman, Co-Founder/Chief Social Officer

New York, NY

Type of Business: social enterprise that develops products combining play and technology

www.unchartedplay.com

Jessica Mathews, 25, is the co-founder of Uncharted Play and co-developer of SOCCKET, a portable generator in the form of a size 5 soccer ball. Its internal mechanism takes the kinetic energy from rolling around and stores it. A single bulb LED lamp can be plugged into the ball to provide hours of light.

Family Business of The Year: Presented to a family-operated business that exemplifies the combined experience and expertise needed to excel in a key industry.

Johnson Security Bureau Inc.

Jessica Johnson, President, and Charles Johnson Jr., co-owner

Bronx, NY

Type of Business: transport, guard, patrol and protective services company

www.johnsonsecuritybureau.com

Johnson Security Bureau is a third-generation family-owned armed and unarmed security firm. After their father died in 2008, siblings Jessica and Charles Johnson Jr. were left with the question of whether to make payroll or close the doors. They decided to keep and improve the business, and since then have hired more than 50 employees. Jessica, the company’s president and majority owner, has inked more than 12 new contracts, expanding business operations to New Jersey.

Abtron Associates Corp

Robert Green, CEO/President; Roosevelt Green, Director of Field Operations

Bay Shore, NY

Type of Business: environmental contracting and management company

www.abtronassociatescorp.com

Abtron is an environmental construction company specializing in providing advance remedial services in the asbestos, lead, mold and hazardous material abatement and demolition industry. Robert Green runs the business alongside his brother Roosevelt. Clients included the Dormitory Authority State of New York, Entenmann’s Bakery and Barnard College.

JDT Concierge

David W. Thornton, President; Jennifer Thornton, VP Operations

Columbus, OH

Type of Business: transportation and concierge services

www.jdttransportation.com

David Thornton started Columbus -based JDT Concierge in 2003 as a one-man operation from his home. Today the company is a full-service transportation and concierge services provider for private and corporate clients, including chauffer services, medical transport, and road trips to college campuses. Thornton’s wife Jennifer later joined him in 2008 as a partner and the couple moved the company to an office suite near Port Columbus International Airport.

Franchise Owner of the Year: Presented to a franchisee for outstanding performance and overall contribution in enhancing the growth and development of the franchising industry.

Lenny’s Sub Shop

Edith Kelly Green, Multiunit Franchise Owner

Memphis, TN

Type of Business: Philadelphia-style sub and sandwich shop

www.lennys.com

Edith Kelly-Green is a business owner, breast cancer survivor, and the largest multi-unit franchise owner for Lenny’s Sub Shop, a Philadelphia-style sub shop that is based in Memphis but is expanding across the country. Over a period of six years, Kelly-Green acquired 10 Lenny’s Sub Shops in Memphis and Oxford, Miss. She runs her stores—two of which consistently rank in the top 5% of all Lenny’s locations across the country—with her two sons, James Kelly and Ryan Green.

Anago Cleaning Systems of DC

Darren Williams, Master Franchisee, Owner & Regional Director

Washington, DC

Type of Business: commercial and residential cleaning

www.anagousa.com

Darren Williams is a master franchisee for Anago Cleaning Systems of Washington, D.C. In this capacity, he oversees 54 franchisees the employ roughly 150 people combined. Williams’ sales team finds cleaning contracts for Anago franchisees he recruits to the area. Clients include multi-tenant office buildings, sporting stadiums and bowling alleys in the nation’s capital. Williams’ Anago franchise was the official cleaning service of the 2012 Citi Open (formerly Legg Mason Tennis Classic).

Mr. Handyman

Skip Wyatt and Lorenzo Wyatt, Co-Owners

Fairfield, CT

Type of Business: home repair and maintenance

www.mrhandyman.com

Lorenzo Wyatt, 42, and his father, Skip, 61, joined forces to run a Mr. Handyman franchise, an industry leader in home repairs and maintenance. Lorenzo developed an approach for the company that focuses on two aspects of home energy: diagnostics and upgrades. This new developments led to an increase in hiring: The franchise has gone from three employees to more than 30. The Wyatts are members of Mr. Handyman’s Million Dollar Club. In 2012, their business broke $2 million in sales—the first Mr. Handyman franchise to do so.

The Teenpreneur Award: This award recognizes entrepreneurs, age 19 or under, committed to the tradition of black business achievement.

Maya Ideas

Maya Penn, CEO

Canton, GA

Type of Business: online boutique selling eco-friendly garments and accessories

http://mayasideasshop.blogspot.com

Maya Ideas is an online boutique that sells eco-friendly garments and accessories designed by Penn and sold to customers around the globe. An artist, animator, illustrator and writer, Penn originally set up her business at the age of 8, when she sold her creations through the online craft store Etsy in 2007. Now age 13, Penn donates 10% of the profits from her business to charities, including Hosea Feed the Hungry, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Captain Planet Foundation and Live Thrive Atlanta.

Jewelz of Jordan

Gabrielle Williams, CEO

Upper Marlboro, MD

Type of Business: fashion jewelry designer and retailer

www.gabriellejwilliams.com

Williams began creating jewelry at the age of 7, after watching an instructional video on YouTube. Founded in 2009, her home-based jewelry company, Jewelz of Jordan, sells beautiful fashion jewelry with a focus on mother-daughter matching jewelry. At age 9 under Gabrielle J. Williams International, Williams became an author of the book, The Making of a Young Entrepreneur: A Kid’s Guide To Developing The Mind-set For Success. By age 11 she was a highly sought after motivational speaker on entrepreneurship and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams. Today, the 13-year-old CEO is focusing of creating fashion jewelry made with semi-precious gem stones, freshwater pearls, crystal, and Swarovski beads. In 2012, Jewelz of Jordan generated a little under $13,000 in revenues.

Shy-Way Essentials

Jesse Council, CEO, and Joziah Council, President

Midland, PA

Type of Business: skin cream for arthritis sufferers

http://j-jssoothingcream.weebly.com

Brothers Joziah, 14, and Jesse, 17, collaborated on a soothing skin ointment for people who have arthritis, sore muscles, or sprains. They trained with a local herbalist to come up with the ingredients to make Soothing Balm (formerly J&J’s Healing Cream), an all- natural ointment made from ten herbs, essential oils, bees wax, and extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil. The goal was to produce an affordable and effective soothing cream, which is now available online.

For updates, follow BLACK ENTERPRISE Entrepreneurs Conference page on Facebook and search the #BEEC hash tag on Twitter.

SOURCE BLACK ENTERPRISE

Media Contact: Alfred Edmond Jr., edmonda@blackenterprise.com, 212-886-9585

About Nationwide

Nationwide, the Nationwide frame mark, and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

ROBERT L. JOHNSON TO BE HONORED FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AT ENTREPRENEURS CONFERENCE IN COLUMBUS, OH, MAY 15-18

Alfred Edmond, Jr. — Mon, 06 May 2013 15:26:53 +0000

RLJ Companies Chairman/BET Founder to Be Presented With A.G. Gaston Award for Entrepreneurial Achievement at 2013 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo

(New York, NY) May 2, 2013—BLACK ENTERPRISE will hold its 2013 Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo hosted by Nationwide Insurance on Wednesday, May 15 through Saturday, May 18 at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. An annual highlight of the conference is the presentation of the nation’s top award for African American business achievement, the Arthur G. Gaston Lifetime Achievement Award. This year, the A.G. Gaston Award will be presented to RLJ Companies Chairman, BET Founder and America’s first black billionaire Robert L. Johnson at the BE 100s Dinner and Awards Gala, to be hosted by The Ohio State University and Limited Brands on Friday, May 17, at the convention center.

RLJ Companies Chairman Robert. L. Johnson

Master wealth builder Robert L. Johnson, founder of The RLJ Companies, made business history when he took BET public in 1991, making it the first black-owned company traded on the New York Stock Exchange, 11 years after he founded the cable network in 1980. This would be far from the last of the “firsts” Johnson would achieve on his way to being named No. 2 on Black Enterprise’s list of “Titans: The 40 Most Powerful African Americans in Business” in the 40th anniversary issue of the magazine. In 2000, after taking BET private again, he sold the cable network to Viacom for $3.2 billion to become the first African American billionaire. He acquired the Charlotte Bobcats in 2003, creating the first black-owned NBA franchise. Johnson sold the Bobcats to NBA legend Michael Jordan in 2010, but continues to hold a minority stake in the team. Johnson has also launched a plethora of other ventures under the RLJ banner, including RLJ Equity Partners, ranked No. 11 on the Black Enterprise 100s list of the nation’s largest black-owned private equity firms.

The A.G. Gaston Lifetime Achievement Award is named for Arthur G. Gaston, the legendary entrepreneur and one of America’s first black millionaires, who went from being born into poverty in 1892 in the Deep South, to building a business empire spanning communications, real estate and insurance during the height of Jim Crow segregation in Birmingham, Ala. Gaston, who passed away at age 103 in 1996, was named Entrepreneur of the Century by Black Enterprise in 1992.

“A. G. Gaston served as role model and mentor for a generation of black entrepreneurs, including my father, Black Enterprise Founder and Chairman Earl Graves Sr., and is inspiration to countless generations more,” said Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., Black Enterprise President and CEO. “We are proud to count the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference as part of his vast legacy, and I can think of no one more worthy of that legacy in the 21^st century than Bob Johnson.”

“We are proud to join Black Enterprise to help promote the growth and stability of emerging and established minority businesses across the country”, said Nationwide Chief Marketing Officer Matt Jauchius. “Bob Johnson’s achievements and legacy serve as an inspiration to all entrepreneurs and we want to congratulate him for this well-deserved honor.”

The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo (BEEC), which annually brings together more than 1,200 of the country’s leading entrepreneurs and corporate executives, is designed to provide attendees with the newest and most innovative strategies from today’s top business minds and provide high-powered networking opportunities critical to their efforts to take their businesses to the next level, from successful launch to growth and profitability. This year’s BEEC theme: Accelerate Your Business.

Other confirmed speakers also include:

Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Founder & CEO, Magic Johnson Enterprises
Robert Townsend, Actor, Director & Filmmaker
Dr. Dennis Kimbro, Educator & Author of The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires
Frans Johansson, Founder & CEO, The Medici Group and bestselling author of The Medici Effect and The Click Moment.
Tim Reese, Co-Founder, National Minority Angel Network and Managing Partner, Forge Intellectual Capital
Jeff Clanagan, CEO, Code Black Entertainment
Melinda “Small Biz Lady” Emerson, CEO, SucceedAsYourOwnBoss.com
Amos Winbush, Founder & CEO, CyberSynchs LLC
Scott Gerber, Founder, Young Entrepreneurs Council and Co-Founder, Gen Y Capital Partners
Hajj Flemings, Founder & CEO, Brand Camp University
Lauren Maillian Bias, Founding Partner, Gen Y Capital Partners and CEO, Luxury Marketing Branding
Wayne Sutton, Founder & CEO, PitchTo Inc.

For updates, follow BLACK ENTERPRISE Entrepreneurs Conference page on Facebook and search the #BEEC hash tag on Twitter.

SOURCE BLACK ENTERPRISE

Media Contact: Alfred Edmond Jr., edmonda@blackenterprise.com, 212-886-9585

About Nationwide

Nationwide, the Nationwide frame mark, and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

BLACK ENTERPRISE TEENPRENEUR CONFERENCE HOSTED BY WENDY’S KICKS-OFF MAY 16 IN COLUMBUS, OHIO

Alfred Edmond, Jr. — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 22:35:35 +0000

Three-day leadership summit teaches African American youth principles of entrepreneurship and develops tomorrow’s CEOs today

(New York, NY) April TBD, 2013— BLACK ENTERPRISE will kick off its annual Teenpreneur Conference hosted by Wendy’s on May 15, 2013 at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. The three-day Teenpreneur Conference, which annually attract more than 100 budding entrepreneurs and teen business owners, offers a dynamic program designed to educate teens on what it takes to build a money-making enterprise in today’s challenging economy.
This year’s conference highlights include:

The Teenpreneur Award honors young innovators, ages 13-17, who are committed to the tradition of black business achievement. This year’s nominees are:

Maya Penn, CEO of Maya Ideas, Canton, GA
Gabrielle Williams, CEO of Jewelz of Jordan, Upper Marlboro, MD
Jesse Council, CEO, and Joziah Council, President of Shy-Way Essentials, Midland PA

The Teenpreneur Elevator Pitch Competition: Five preselected teens will have a chance to pitch their business plans to a panel of entrepreneur judges.

Interactive workshops and sessions led by entrepreneur experts Kevin Johnson, President/CEO, Johnson Media Inc., and bestselling author of The Entrepreneur Mind; Vanessa Parker, Owner, Pink Boss Inc.; and I’na Saulsbery, CEO, The Starfire Group.

Sessions include:

Young Entrepreneurs Guide: What You Need to Know
Developing Your Business Plan
Cha-Ching: Money Matters
Marketing and Branding
Ready, Set, Pitch
Know the Law

For more information or to register for the Black Enterprise Teenpreneur Conference hosted by Wendy’s, please call 800-209-7229 or visit www.blackenterprise.com/ec.

The 2013 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo hosted by Nationwide is presented by OPEN from American Express, PepsiCo, Dell and Walmart. Platinum sponsors include FedEx Express and Wendy’s. Corporate sponsors include Huntington Bank and Cardinal Health.

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BLACK ENTERPRISE, your ultimate source for wealth creation, is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, BE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Every month, BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine provides 4 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. A multimedia company, BE also produces radio and television programming, business and lifestyle events, Web content, and digital media. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the definitive source of information for and about African American business markets and leaders, and the authority on black business news and trends.

BLACK ENTERPRISE AND WALMART HOST SUPPLIER DIVERSITY FORUM ON TUESDAY, APRIL 23, IN COLUMBUS, OHIO

Alfred Edmond, Jr. — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 22:31:15 +0000

Invitation-only Event Aims to Explore How Entrepreneurs Can Raise Capital, Get Their Products On The Shelves of Major Retail Stores

WHO: BLACK ENTERPRISE, the premier business, investment, and wealth building resource for African Americans, along with Walmart, the nation’s leading retailer and one of the nation’s largest private employers of African Americans.

WHAT: 20/20 Vision: Getting On The Shelf, a forum designed to explore how entrepreneurs can get their products on the shelves of major retail stores, how to make sure they have what buyers want, and how to gain the capacity to meet demand.

WHERE: Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel

50 North 3^rd Street

Columbus, Ohio 43215

WHEN: Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Speaker and Event Highlights

8:00 a.m. Registration/Networking/Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Remarks

Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., President & CEO, BLACK ENTERPRISE
Billy Link Jr., Director/Focus Store Manager, Walmart Stores, Inc.

9:15 a.m. Case Study: How I Found A Manufacturer & Got My Product Into Sam’s Club

Walter Nash Jr., CEO of Lefty’s Spices

9:45 a.m. Session 1: How To Get Shelf Space On The Floors Of Large Retailers

This session will explore how to go from selling a product online or at local shops to gaining major distribution by mass retailers. A panel of successful entrepreneurs will share their success stories and offer tips on pitching products to top national retail chains.

Nyema Tubman, President, Sundial Brands
Martin Ekechukwu, CEO & Founder, Village Tea Company
Vera Moore, President & CEO, Vera Moore Cosmetics

Moderator: Derek T. Dingle, SVP/Editor-in-Chief, BLACK ENTERPRISE

20/20 Vision Form

Getting On The Shelf

Page 2

11:05 a.m. Case Study: Getting Scale Through the Franchise Model

Nancy Dillard, Vice President, Controller, JAN-PRO of Greater Cleveland

11:35 a.m. Session 2: Attracting Investors to Fund Your Dream

This session will explore how entrepreneurs can raise capital to grow their enterprise and scale their business, identifying investment sources ranging from microloans to crowd funding to private equity. A top-level panel of experts will share where to find investment dollars and how to match the right capital sources to the optimum stage of business growth.

Valerie Gaydos, President, Capital Growth Inc.
William Michael Cunningham, Social Investing Advisor & Author
Lauren Maillian Bias, Founding Partner, Gen Y Capital Partners/CEO, Luxury Marketing Branding

Moderator: Alfred Edmond Jr., SVP/Multimedia Editor-at-Large, BLACK ENTERPRISE

Noon – Lunch/Networking

2:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. – Black Enterprise Networking Reception/Entrepreneurs Conference Registration Drive

8:00 p.m.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This invitation-only forum is not open to the public. Interested press should contact Alfred Edmond Jr. at 212-886-9585 or via e-mail at edmonda@blackenterprise.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA NOTE: For information and updates shared from this event on Twitter, follow @blackenterprise or search the hash tag #BESUPPDIV

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black enterprise, your ultimate source of Wealth For Life, is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, be has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Every month, black enterprise magazine provides 4 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. A multimedia company, be also produces radio and television programming, business and lifestyle events, Web content, and digital media. black enterprise is the definitive source of information for and about African American business markets and leaders, and the authority on black business news and trends.

EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON TO LEAD POWERHOUSE LINE-UP OF CEOS AT ENTREPRENEURS CONFERENCE IN COLUMBUS, OH, MAY 15-18

Alfred Edmond, Jr. — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:21:12 +0000

Hundreds of Entrepreneurs, Business Experts and Aspiring Business Owners to Gather at 2013 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo

(New York, NY) April 8, 2013—BLACK ENTERPRISE will hold its 2013 Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo hosted by Nationwide Insurance on Wednesday, May 15, at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, with a powerhouse line-up of some of the nation’s most accomplished and celebrated entrepreneurs. Kicking off the conference: Magic Johnson Enterprises Chairman and CEO Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who will share business insights and the secrets of his entrepreneurial success in a “Fireside Chat” with CBS Sports Analyst Clark Kellogg. The Fireside Chat with Magic Johnson is also presented by Nationwide.

Magic Johnson Enterprises CEO Earvin "Magic" Johnson

After a Hall of Fame career in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson has become one of the world’s most influential African American entrepreneurs over the past three decades, building a business empire spanning sports team ownership, real estate, private equity food service and facilities management, media properties and more. In addition, the Magic Johnson Foundation has become one of the world’s most recognized charitable organizations, addressing critical needs ranging from closing the digital divide, to providing medical care options and testing for HIV/AIDS, to funding college scholarships.

“Nationwide is proud to sponsor this year’s conference because we share Black Enterprise’s commitment for empowering minority businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the country,” said Steve Rasmussen, Nationwide CEO. “We are pleased that Magic Johnson will be here to share his entrepreneurial journey with conference attendees. I am confident that participants will have a great experience in our hometown of Columbus, Ohio, and will walk away with valuable resources and networks to support their continued business endeavors.”

“The Entrepreneurs Conference has evolved into a can’t-miss annual event for both established and aspiring entrepreneurs who are serious about growing their business,” said Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., Black Enterprise President and CEO. “We are thrilled to partner with our host, Nationwide, in their headquarters city of Columbus, to make this conference the most impactful yet for our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and partners.”

This marks the first year that the four-day power conference, which annually brings together more than 1,200 of the country’s leading entrepreneurs and corporate executives, will be held in Columbus. The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo (BEEC) is designed to provide attendees with the newest and most innovative strategies from today’s top business minds and provide high-powered networking opportunities critical to their efforts to take their businesses to the next level, from successful launch to growth and profitability. This year’s BEEC theme: Accelerate Your Business.

Other confirmed speakers also include:

Robert L. Johnson, Founder & Chairman, The RLJ Companies
Frans Johansson, Founder & CEO, The Medici Group and bestselling author of The Medici Effect and The Click Moment.
Tim Reese, Co-Founder, National Minority Angel Network and Managing Partner, Forge Intellectual Capital
Jeff Clanagan, CEO, Code Black Entertainment
Melinda “Small Biz Lady” Emerson, CEO, SucceedAsYourOwnBoss.com
Amos Winbush, Founder & CEO, CyberSynchs LLC
Scott Gerber, Founder, Young Entrepreneurs Council and Co-Founder, Gen Y Capital Partners
Hajj Flemings, Founder & CEO, Brand Camp University
Lauren Maillian Bias, Founding Partner, Gen Y Capital Partners and CEO, Luxury Marketing Branding
Wayne Sutton, Founder & CEO, PitchTo Inc.

For updates, follow BLACK ENTERPRISE Entrepreneurs Conference page on Facebook and search the #BEEC hash tag on Twitter.

SOURCE: BLACK ENTERPRISE, Alfred Edmond Jr., 212-886-9585

About Nationwide

Nationwide, the Nationwide frame mark, and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

BLACK ENTERPRISE Holds Symposium on America’s Postsecondary Education Challenges

Alfred Edmond, Jr. — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:49:57 +0000

“Today’s Business Crisis: Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce,”

Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation & Created by BLACK ENTERPRISE

(Charlotte, N.C.) March 20, 2013 — Black Enterprise, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is pleased to present “Today’s Business Crisis: Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce,” on Wednesday, March 27, at The Westin Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C. The Symposium is part of a series aimed to cultivate a conversation between top leaders in business, philanthropy and education about the critical challenges facing the American K-12 and postsecondary educational system. The Charlotte Symposium will focus on how postsecondary schools must change to meet the needs of today’s student and prepare them for successful careers in corporate America. The Symposium will discuss and analyze challenges, and present solutions – while illustrating the role business leaders can play in supporting and improving America’s postsecondary system and ensuring students graduate ready for success in career and life.

“America’s colleges are not graduating enough students – especially those of color – to meet the demand of employers,” says Allan C. Golston, President, U.S. Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “Through our work with Black Enterprise, we hope to bring new voices and perspectives to this issue…Through dialogue with African American entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, these national symposiums will provide meaningful feedback and offer solutions to help prepare more students for success in postsecondary education and beyond.”

“By assisting and increasing the quality of education with postsecondary schools,” says Dr. Charles J. Ogletree, Jr., Jesse Climenko Professor, Harvard Law, “we give students the competitive edge to compete internationally. Colleges must continue to train, prepare and equip students for the “real world.” The students are relying on us to prepare them for the workforce and we must fulfill our obligation to teach them. All academic institutions must be willing to critically evaluate and transform their current structure, courses offered and teaching methodologies to meet the future needs of our students and our society in a cost-effective manner.”

Symposium: Today’s Business Crisis: Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce

When: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 | Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Symposium | 5:00p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Reception

Where: The Westin Charlotte, 601 College Street, Charlotte, N.C., Grand Ballroom C, 2^nd Floor

Moderator Dr. Charles J. Ogletree, Jr., Jesse Climenko Professor, Harvard Law School

One-on-one Conversation with:

Dr. Ronald Carter, President, Johnson C. Smith University

Panel

Stephanie Butler, Global Campus Recruiting Executive, Bank of America

David Dodson, President, MDC, Durham, N.C.

Suzanne Walsh, Senior Program Officer, Postsecondary Success, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Richard “Stick” Williams, Vice President, Corporate Community Affairs, Duke Energy and President, The Duke Energy Foundation

Additional Program Participants

Derek Dingle, SVP/Editor-in-Chief, BLACK ENTERPRISE

Mayor Anthony Foxx, City of Charlotte

Allan C. Golston, President, U.S. Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Earl “Butch” Graves, President/CEO, BLACK ENTERPRISE

“It is imperative business leaders’ partner with the academic community ensuring our schools are producing graduates with the skills we desire for our businesses to remain competitive in this global economy,” says Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr., President and CEO, BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Black Enterprise has consistently sounded the call to address this crisis as the system even more egregiously fails our children it’s charged with educating and preparing for productive lives. If we are to have a strong workforce; we must have strong schools. We are proud to have the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to increase the focus on solutions that can ultimately resolve this crisis; and that cannot be successfully executed without business leaders being fully committed to reform education.”

“It’s a cruel irony that right now, at a time when many Americans are looking for jobs, there are businesses who can’t find qualified workers to fill open positions,” said Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx. “That’s a clear signal that employers have a key role to play in the education system. By ensuring our graduates are workforce-ready, we help our young people find better jobs, we help our businesses stay strong, and we help our entire economy compete in the global marketplace.”

The Gates Foundation is committed to ensuring all students in America have access to a great education.

BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, BE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Every month, BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine provides 4.1 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. A multimedia company, BE also produces television programming, business and lifestyle events, Web content, and digital media. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the definitive source of information for and about African American business markets and leaders, and the authority on black business news and trends.

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GATES FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH BLACK ENTERPRISE FOR SYMPOSIUM ON AMERICA’S EDUCATION CRISIS AT THE PEABODY MEMPHIS HOTEL, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Alfred Edmond, Jr. — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 19:05:50 +0000

Invitation-only Forum,“Today’s Business Crisis: Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce,” To Address Role of Business In Education Reform

(Memphis, Tennessee; November 1, 2012) On the day after the 2012 Presidential Election, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Black Enterprise are set to present a symposium on an issue most critical to America’s health and economic competitiveness: education reform. On Wednesday, November 7, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. the Gates Foundation and Black Enterprise will host “Today’s Business Crisis: Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce,” in the Grand Ballroom of the Peabody Memphis Hotel, 149 Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee.

The invitation-only symposium will bring together top leaders in business, philanthropy and education to discuss the critical challenges facing American education and the role business leaders can play in education reform in Memphis and in public schools across the nation. Confirmed speakers for the forum include: Black Enterprise President & CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr,; Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation U.S. Program Chief of Staff Dawn Chirwa; Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Deputy Director of Education Irvin Scott; Stand for Children Executive Director Kenya Bradshaw; Memphis City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash; Universal Companies Founder & Chairman Kenneth Gamble; Universal Companies President & CEO dur-Rahim Islam; Former NBA All Star and Memphis Grizzlies Co-Owner Penny Hardaway; Gestalt Community Schools Chief Academic Officer Yetta Lewis; and Memphis Chief of School Operations, Academic Operations, Technology & Innovation Dr. Roderick Richmond. The sessions will be moderated by Black Enterprise SVP/Editor-in-Chief Derek T. Dingle and Black Enterprise Editorial Director Alan Hughes.

“America’s education crisis is not a future threat to the competitiveness of our businesses, but a clear and present danger to the economic security of our nation,” says Black Enterprise CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. “Black Enterprise has consistently sounded the call to address this crisis, and never more than in the past several years, as the system even more egregiously fails the children it is charged with educating and preparing for productive lives. We are proud to join with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to increase the focus on solutions that can ultimately resolve this crisis, solutions that cannot be successfully executed without business leaders being fully invested in the battle to reform public education.”

There will be a reception immediately following the symposium, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., to allow education leaders, business owners, corporate executives, philanthropists and other stakeholders to freely network around ways to support existing reform initiatives and to implement new solutions.

To secure an invitation to the symposium, call Black Enterprise Events at 800-209-7229 or RSVP online at http://www.blackenterprise.com/todaysbusinesscrisiseducatingtomorrowsworkforce/ by Monday, November 5, 2012. Seating is limited and invitations are non-transferable.

NOTE TO MEDIA: This invitation-only forum is not open for admission without an RSVP. Interested press should contact Alfred Edmond Jr. at 212-886-9598/347-865-5895 or via e-mail at alfrededmondjr@gmail.com.

BLACK ENTERPRISE is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, BE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Every month, BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine provides 4.1 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. A multimedia company, BE also produces television programming, business and lifestyle events, Web content, and digital media. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the definitive source of information for and about African American business markets and leaders, and the authority on black business news and trends.

Contact: Alfred Edmond Jr.

Phone: 212-886-9598; 347-865-5895

edmonda@blackenterprise.com

SEPTEMBER 2012 ISSUE OF BLACK ENTERPRISE MAGAZINE FEATURES LATEST LIST OF 100 MOST POWERFUL BLACK CORPORATE LEADERS

BLACK ENTERPRISE — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:54:29 +0000

5 CEOs and 8 Division Chief Executives Highlight 2012 List

(New York, New York) As the country recovers from one of the greatest economic trials in history, BLACK ENTERPRISE reveals its latest list of the 100 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America as featured in the publication’s September 2012 cover story. The publications editorial team conducted six months of intensive research to identify dynamic, high-level professionals who are leading and re-engineering a vast array of businesses.

The final tally includes eight CEOs, 5 division chief executives, and a host of top executives that significantly contribute to their company’s revenues. Each executive holds a senior management position at one of the top 1,000 publicly traded companies or at an international corporation grossing revenues of $1 billion or more. Also in its September issue, Black Enterprise names Sam’s Club President & CEO Rosalind G. Brewer its 2012 Executive of the Year.

Executives on the list were hosted by Black Enterprise at a special recognition at the New York Stock Exchange on the evening of Tuesday, October 2, presented by FedEx and NYSE Euronext. Remarks were delivered by Black Enterprise President & CEO Earl Graves Jr., FedEx Express Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Cathy Ross and McDonald’s Corp. President & CEO Don Thompson.

“When we published our first list of top black executives in 1988, we identified just 25 people, with no CEOs and no women on the list,” Graves said. “Our current list of 100 men and women in executive leadership includes eight CEOs, and were culled from a pool of nearly 1,000 candidates. This is evidence of the undeniable progress, achievements and contributions of black executive talent to the global competitiveness of America’s largest corporations.”

The eight African American executives who currently hold the title of CEO: Ursula M. Burns, Chairman & CEO, Xerox Corp.; Kenneth I. Chenault, Chairman and CEO, American Express; Steven A. Davis, Chairman & CEO, Bob Evans Farms Inc.; Roger W. Ferguson Jr., President & CEO, TIAA-CREF; Kenneth C. Frazier, Chairman, President & CEO, Merck & Co. Inc.; Rodney O’Neal, CEO & President, Delphi Corp.; Clarence Otis Jr., Chairman & CEO, Darden Restaurants; and Don Thompson, President & CEO, McDonald’s Corp.

Twenty companies have multiple executives on the list. American Express, Ford Motor Co., Merck & Co. Inc. and Pepsi Co. lead the way with four, followed by Walmart Stores Inc., FedEx Express and General Mills with three. The thirteen companies that boast two executives on the list are Xerox Corp., Bob Evans Farms Inc., Delphi Corp., McDonald’s Corp., Sprint Nextel Corp., Entergy Corp., General Mills, Walgreens, Nationwide, UPS, Dupont, Pfizer, and Leggett & Platt.

“What makes this list so valuable is that we continue to see the emergence of African American senior managers who are literally rewriting the script of global business,” says Black Enterprise Editorial Director Sonia Alleyne. “Their presence proves that diversity at the very top fuels innovation and performance that’s vital for organizations to stay competitive in a rapidly changing environment.”

The selection criteria and comprehensive profiles of the 100 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America is available in the September 2012 issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE, on newsstands now.

Contact: Alfred Edmond Jr.

Phone: 212-886-9598

edmonda@blackenterprise.com

FANTASIA, RAPHAEL SAADIQ HEADLINE BLACK ENTERPRISE/PEPSI GOLF & TENNIS CHALLENGE LABOR DAY, AUG. 30-SEPT. 2

BLACK ENTERPRISE — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:49:43 +0000

19^th Annual Sporting/Business/Social Event also features Actor/Comedians Chris Spencer and Mark Curry, and more at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami

(New York, NY) Aug. 29, 2012—Fantasia, Raphael Saadiq, Chris Spencer, Marc Curry, Michael Colyar and Celebrity DJs M.O.S. and KISS will join 1,000 of the nation’s top African American entrepreneurs, executives and professionals at the Black Enterprise/Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge in Miami, FL. Whatever your pleasure—be it entertainment, lounging poolside, hitting the links or courts, or being pampered at the spa—the power networking is “Hotter In Miami” this Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31- Sept. 2, at the luxurious Doral Golf Resort and Spa!

Highlights of the 2012 Black Enterprise/Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge:

Purple Reign Welcome Reception hosted by Comedian/Actor Mark Curry and featuring the Sol Factor Band, hosted by FedEx
Miami Blue Evening Concert hosted by Comedian Michael Colyar and featuring a performance from Grammy award-winning artist Raphael Saadiq, hosted by Pepsi
Comedy Night: Mark Curry hosts a hilarious line-up comedians, followed by the house-rocking sounds of DJ M.O.S. and DJ Kiss

Challenge Awards dinner emceed by Actor/Comedian Chris Spencer, followed by a night of music from R&B superstar Fantasia

Competitive Tournament Golf featuring the Doral TPC Blue Monster course; Social Golf and Golf Academy with instruction from PGA Professional Rodney Green, plus Social Tennis and Tennis Academy for beginners
Purple Jacket presentations to the male and female champions of the competitive golf and tennis tournaments
Enjoy the good life with the perfect weekend getaway at Doral’s world-class spa
Join Rev. Al Sharpton at our sunrise church service

Plus: health, finance and business workshops; cutting-edge fitness classes like Zumba, Sculpt Zone and Soca Fiesta; 3-on-3 basketball tournament, shopping excursions, speed dating, and Football 101; The Next Chef Challenge; Bid Whist/Spades Challenge and the Expo Zone

Black Enterprise is proud to celebrate 19 remarkable years alongside Pepsi in providing a first-rate golf, tennis, and spa experience. Since 1994, the annual event’s unique combination of business, competition and leisure has drawn more than 1,000 attendees from around the country. Follow along on Twitter at #gt2012.

The Black Enterprise/Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge is presented by American Express, BMW, Frito-Lay, FedEx, Gatorade, Quaker, and Tropicana. Platinum sponsors include Regions Private Wealth Management and Polo Ralph Lauren. This year’s corporate sponsors are Aetna, EMC², Herbalife, Bombay Sapphire, PepsiCo, Tourneau, United States Virgin Islands Development Authority and VISITUSVI.com, and Washington & Associates.

For Golf & Tennis Challenge registration and full schedule information visit www.blackenterprise.com/gt.

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Black Enterprise, your ultimate source to build Wealth for Life, is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, be has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Every month, black enterprise magazine provides 4 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. A multimedia company, BE also produces television programming, business and lifestyle events, Web content, and digital media. Black Enterprise is the definitive source of information for and about African American business leaders, personal finance, careers and small business. Visit www.blackenterprise.com for more information.