Happy New Year!

Wishing all a healthy, happy and prosperous 2007! BBPN is poised to make this a productive year by presenting some exciting networking event topics that are sure to support healthy brain function, business and professional success and relationship building as we continue to grow our network both professionally and personally.

We started the Black Business Professional Network because we saw a need for Black business, owners and professionals to come together and encourage reciprocal support, the exchange of ideas, sharing of experiences and strengthen business and economic opportunities locally, nationally and globally. In short, find ways to help each other grow and profit through business and professional development.

We have succeeded in bringing together over one hundred and fifty members so far through our current online and event efforts. They come from a diverse spectrum of professions, businesses, community and government. Our membership is also spreading nationally coast to coast from Florida in the south, as far north as Michigan, east to New York, and west to California. We are growing!

We know that you want to know more about BBPN as well as its members. And we want to provide you with tools that will allow you do create your roadmap to success. We are building value that is useful to you and your businesses.

Here is just a preview...

Member to Member Directory
BBPN Member Survey
- who are the members of BBPN?
- How many are there?
- What do they do?
- Where do they come from?
- How can I get connected to them and they to me?

Advertise Your Business on the BBPN Website
- Banner ads, website links, etc.
- Featured businesses and professions
- Member and business profiles

Event Sponsorship
- Free events sponsored by members
- Paid sponsorship packages
- Online event registration
- Online payment for event tickets

Information Sharing
- Blogging

Paid Membership Opportunities
- Membership benefits that include, web-page presence, discounts on events and other BBPN benefits

Job- Posting
- Post resumes
- Find jobs
- Post jog openings

E-Newsletter Updates
- More stories
- More news
- More feedback

MelEcho Productions Sponsored "Holiday Cafe" a Success

Thursday, December 21, 2006 7PM, MelEcho Productions Sponsored the BBPN "Holiday Cafe" The evening was an eclectic mix of entertainment, food, socializing and flat out great party! Guest talent included a DJ music, Spoken Word, Jazz, R&B, neo-Soul and theatrical performance. Everyone who attended truly felt the spirit of the holiday season. It was an unprecedented showcase that demonstrated of how rich and diverse our local and regional Black talent is.

Much praise and thanks go out to Melanie Thomas and Shavon Reed of MelEcho Productions who were single-handedly responsible for pulling the event together. Their network of talent and professional expertise made the event a success. A special thanks to the BBPN Advisory Board Members, Traci Hill-Feimster, Jackie Woods, Betsy Nelson, Monique McKenzie, Martin Taylor, and BBPN members, Olympia Baylou, Gerry, and kathy Johnson for volunteering as host and hostesses for the evening.

Esca Restaurant out did themselves providing great service and food to die for. Thanks to Managers, Amy and Kim along with the wait and bar staff for providing us with a great atmosphere. For more information on the artists featured at the Holiday Cafe' click here.

Thursday, January 11th –  April 5th 2007 Fulton Ross – Exhibition: “Fulton Ross • Fresh Paint”

When “Fulton Ross • Fresh Paint”  opens January 11th 2007 at The Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts (THCA), (Jacksonville) Orange Park, Florida, it will be an important event for both the artist and the presenting organization. For Sarasota resident and working artist Fulton Ross, the exhibition will be her first in Northeast Florida; for THCA the event will be the first exhibition by an African/American artist to be produced in the Center’s three-year history.

The exhibition will run from January 11th – April 5th with hours Monday-Friday, 10 am to 4 pm.  For more information on Fulton Ross and her works, visit www.FultonRoss.com.

Thursday, January, 11 Publix at 10th and N Tamiami Trail Set to Open

Publix Supermarket is set to open the new store located at 10th and North Tamiami Trail. The new store is a part of the redevelopment of the N Trail and is located in the Enterprise Zone.

People interested in applying for positions are being directed to apply in person at the computer kiosk located at the Ringling Ave. Publix, 282 Shopping Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237, (941) 955-4204.  It is possible that pre-opening hiring will take place at the new store after the hiring computer kiosk equipment is installed. Anyone needing assistance on how to use the computer kiosk can ask for it at the customer service desk in the store. For more information or assistance contact: Carlos Yancy, Goodwill Job Connection 941.359.0327 or Lourdes Mullins, Jobs Etc. 941.358.4200 x126).

Enterprise Zones help build better communities . . . and stronger businesses!

Friday, January 12, 2007 9:30PM-2:00AM Party of the Year

Come enjoy the fabulous vocals and harmony of "Raven". A band from Gary, Indiana- home of the Jacksons. The band headlined many shows over the past 25 years and returns to Sarasota after an outstanding engagement with the Spaniels (an American rhythm and blues doo-wop group best known for the hit "Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight".) in March 2006. Wilton Crump, Madeline Rae Gill and Dr. Randall Morgan, a Sarasota physician founded the band. Raven specializes in a vintage Motown sound including rhythm and blues, rock and classic blues.

The show is at The Five O'clock Club, 1930 Hillview Street (Southside Village, Sarasota), 9:30PM - 2:00AM.

Friday, January 12, 2007 6PM "Special Invitation to Black Business Professional Network Members, M.L.K. Annual Kickoff Reception

The M.L.K. Celebration Committee of the Greater Newtown Community Redevelopment Corporation sends a "Special Invitation" to all Black Business Professional Network members to attend their Annual M.L.K. Kickoff Reception. This event kicks off a series of events sponsored by the organization throughout the next several days commemorating Dr. M.L.K. and his legacy. The invitation only event will be held at Metro Coffee & Wine, 711 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236, 941. 365.180. RSVP: 941.358.7860

M.L.K. Celebration Committee Sponsored Events

Saturday, January 13, 2007 7:30AM Annual Robert "Bud" Thomas Memorial Golf Tournament. Bobby Jones Golf Course, 1000 Azinger Way (Circus Boulevard), Sarasota. $85.00 entry fees, cart, catered lunch, prizes and awards! For more information call: 941.924.4683

Monday, January, 15, 2007 7:30AM. Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast. Newtown Estates Gymnasium, 2800 Newtown Estates Blvd. Sarasota. $13.00 per person. For more information call: 941.358.7860

Monday, January 15, 2007 12PM. M.L.K. Community Celebration in the Park. Dr. MLK Park, intersection of Dr. MLK Jr. Way and Coconut Avenue. Free and open to the public. Vendor tables are available. For more information on vendor registration call: 941.351.6561

For more information, tickets or to RSVP for an event call: 941.358.7860.

All proceeds benefit the Martin Luther King Celebration Committee Scholarship Fund.

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

Tuesday, January 16, 2007 7PM-9:30PM “A Community Introduction to The Landmark Forum”

Are you looking for the freedom to be at ease no matter what the circumstances? Want the power to be effective in those areas of your life that matter most to you? Get the answers to these questions and more at this informative introduction to The Landmark Forum. Get a sense of the kind of work that is done at The Landmark Forum and what becomes available to you as a result of participating. This event will be led by a powerful, professional leader from Landmark Education.

The free introductory event will be held at Holiday Inn on Lido Beach 233 Ben Franklin Drive Sarasota, Fl, 34236 Tuesday, January 16th 7PM– 9:30PM. For more information contact BBPN member: Rachel Jean-Pierre at 813.789.2469 or Jared Mitchell at 941.544.6860. RSVP at Jared.Mitchell@tdgof.com

Tuesday, January 16, 2007 6:00PM The Central Community Redevelopment Agency - Bradenton

Central Economic Development Center"s Entrepreneurial Institute - Women & Minority Certification course. Learn what is needed to complete the State of Florida Application for Certification. Discover contract opportunities in both government and private sectors. Course Fee $10. The Entrepreneurial Institute has courses scheduled throughout the year. The BBPN Empowering Minds E-Newsletter will keep you informed of upcoming courses. For more information and a calendar of all courses contact the CCRA at www.bradentonccra.com or e-mail: Rebekah@bradentonCCRA.com

Congratulations to BBPN Member Stacey Laidlaw - "People to Watch"for 2007!

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Monday, January 1, 2007. Stacy Laidlaw, Project Coordinator for the Grassroots Leadership Initiative was selected as one of seven People who are likely to make an impact on Southwest Florida in 2007. Check out the work of the Grassroots Leadership at: www.glisuncoast.org

empowered quote: All labor uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. — Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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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