Thursday, December 21, 2006 7PM, MelEcho Productions Sponsors "Holiday Cafe"

Come out and celebrate the spirit of the holiday season with the Black Business Professional Network. Tickets are $25. in person at MelEcho Productions, 3080 North Washington Suite 4N Sarasota, FL 34234, 941. 359.3763 or by mail via check or money order to P.O. Box 1574, Sarasota, 34230. www.Melecho.net

"Holiday Cafe" sponsorships are available for this event. For more information and to view "Holiday Cafe" Sponsorship Packages visit www.BlackBusinessPro.com

Friday, December 22, 2006 7PM Verses of the Soul

Increasing Joy Ministries presents a holiday event filled with dance, music, spoken word and theater. Featuring recording artists, authors, string ensemble and more. The event kicks off with a reception including refreshments and an artist gallery at 6:15PM. Sponsored by VOHAG Productions, Increasing Joy Ministries, Echo Luv Enterprises and NBCE Productions. The event will be held at 2515 37th Street East, Palmetto, Florida 34221. Cost is $10. Tickets can be purchased online at www.vohag.org or in person at IJM Ministries. For more information call 941.313.0892 or 941.536.5074

Monday, January 1, 2007 MelEcho Productions Entertainment's - 2nd Annual New Year's Praise Party

A spiritual mix of gospel artists, spoken word artists, gospel hip-hop, mime and dance. This year's theme is "Raising the bar thru Praise". The popular showcase brings together artists from Miami to Birmingham. Last year's praise party was a standing only event with entertainers from New York to Florida! They're coming by the bus load this year! So get your tickets NOW!!!

The event will be held at St. James United Methodist Church, 2049-A North Honore Ave., Sarasota 34235. For more information call MelEcho Productions at 941. 359.3763. Donations - $8

Monday, January 15, 2007 9:30AM Newtown Front Porch to Sponsor 3rd Annual MLK, Jr. March

The Newtown Front Porch Council, Inc. and other local groups, sponsors and organizations will sponsor the 2007 MLK Day March. Beginning at the Robert L. Taylor Community Center. Line-up begins at 9:30AM and the march will begin at 11AM. The theme this year is "BRIDGING THE DIVIDE". The entry fee for the "March" is $20 for groups. Get your banner ready and your walking shoes. Entry forms are available at the Front Porch offices, 1782 Dr. M.L. King Way or e-mailed at your request. Front Porch has a full week of activities planned from January 13th - 20th to get involved and for more information call: Lori Benton 941.373.7764 or Mary Mack 941.266.2461

Mentors Needed to Support Emerging Leaders

The Grassroots Leadership Initiative is a leadership development program that cultivates new voices from the grassroots level to make a positive change in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. One of the essential elements of the GLI is the GLI Mentors. GLI is looking for individuals to mentor one of the twenty-three motivated emerging leaders who have been selected to participate in the year long program. A mentor is a primary coach and guide for the growth of the GLI Fellow.

GLI Mentor Criteria:

A community leader that demonstrates quality, effective leadership through community experience, employment or appointment in Manatee and/or Sarasota county

An expressed desire to help others grow and succeed

Able to commit time and resources to the GLI

Recently participated in leading a community effort

Believes in the vision and mission of GLI

Maintains a positive image and high level of integrity

Has an engaging and open-minded temperament with very strong listening skills

Has relationships with and able to make introductions to decision making individuals and organizations in Sarasota or Manatee county

Acknowledged by the community for devoting leadership, time or expertise

If you are interested in participating as a GLI mentor or volunteer in another capacity with GLI, contact Stacey Laidlaw, Project Coordinator by Friday, December 15th at 941.365.8751or e-mail at slaidlaw@scopexcel.org. To learn more about the Grassroots Leadership Initiative visit the website at www.GLIsuncoast.org.

empowered quote: Freedom is never given: it is won.—

A. Philip Randolph (1889-1979)

BLACK BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
15 Paradise Plaza, Box 335    Sarasota, Florida 34239
941.366.8403      info@blackbusinesspro.com
www.blackbusinesspro.com

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