EMPOWERED MINDS

A part of the Black Business Professional Network's mission is to reach out to the broader community and collaborate to produce partnerships that result in inclusion of Black businesses and professionals in economic engines that drive the community. Collaboration was at the heart of the 10th Annual Sarasota Film Festival, The New Audience Advisory Committee to the Sarasota Film Festival and MelEcho Productions, Inc. s' coming together.

Earlier this year a group made up of African-American and Latino leaders under the leadership of Dr. Larry Miller, economic development coordinator for the city of Sarasota's planning and redevelopment department, came together with the Sarasota Film Festival to address the low numbers of people of color who turn out for film festival events each year. The group, The New Audience Advisory Committee to the Sarasota Film Festival, worked to find ways to help make Film Festival programming attractive to a more diverse audience. The outcomes included; support in selecting films from diverse directors/producers with specific multi-cultural content, finding ways to draw a more diverse audience and the collaboration between MelEcho Productions and the Sarasota Film Festival to produce the Center Stage Live! Cafe.

Many of you are familiar with MelEcho Productions' entertainment venues having attended many of their events including; The Express not Suppress Broadway Spoken Word Cafe, the BBPN and MelEcho Productions Holiday Music Cafe, the New Years' Praise Party or watch Center Stage weekly on Comcasts' Channel 21. MelEcho will once again prove that they know how to throw a party at next week's Center Stage Live! Cafe on Thursday, April 10th. The courtyard of ESCA Restaurant downtown Sarasota will be transformed into an oasis for entertainment Featuring R&B Jazz Artist - ERIC DARIUS and Friends.

Before the Center Stage Live! Cafe there will be a screening of THE BLACK LIST: VOLUME ONE, a documentary directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders: and producer Elvis Mitchell. The Blacklist showcases interview format many of our most prolific and successful African- Americans telling their personal and professional stories against the backdrop of the challenges of being Black. Discount tickets are now available for the Blacklist screening. (More About the Blacklist)

Center Stage Live! Cafe is $55.00 (in advance), $60.00 (at-the-door) and the price includes; over six musical performances, a DJ, heavy hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer and martinis! This is an opportunity for our community to come out, support MelEcho Productions and the 10th Annual Sarasota Film Festival. This is guaranteed to be an unforgettable evening of incredible fun!

As Dr. Miller said it so eloquently, "The New Audience Advisory Committee to the Sarasota Film Festival has been preaching about more diversity and inclusion, well this is it! The more support we show for events like this one, the more response we will get to our requests for more diversity." Dr. Larry Miller, City of Sarasota   

Tickets are on sale now at the Sarasota Film Festival Box Office, MelEcho and Total Elegance Hair Salon. To make ticket purchases call 1-866-575-FILM, 366-6200, 359-3763 or visit: www.sarasotafilmfestival.com. For more information contact: Melanie S. Thomas, CEO,MelEcho Productions, Inc. 3080 North Washington Suite 4N, Sarasota, FL 34234, (941) 359-3763 (Office) (941) 359-9783 (fax).

DeWanda Smith- Soeder,
Founder/President Black Business Professional Network

Next BBPN 3rd Thursday Event:

CLICK HERE: http://www.blackbusinesspro.com/3rdThursdayEvent2008-04-17.htm

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Wednesday, April 9, 2008 6PM City Planning Board to Review Approval of Newtown Community Redevelopment Agency Plan

Following the March 6 Newtown CRA Advisory Board's action to recommend to the CRA approval of the Newtown CRA Plan, the first step is review by Planning Board for consistency with the Sarasota Comprehensive Plan at 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 9 in the City Commission Chambers under 'New Business" Item. 6. Non-Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings. Although there is not an opportunity for Board input, you are encouraged to attend.

As discussed at the Advisory Board meeting, following the April 9 Planning Board action the next steps and tentative dates are:

• City Commission, acting as the CRA 6 p.m., Monday, April 21 Motion to approve recommendation to City Commission to adopt the Proposed Newtown CRA Plan
• City Commission, Public Hearing 6 p.m., Monday, May 5 19
• City Commission 6 p.m., May 19 June 2
• Motion to adopt Ordinance to Amend the Redevelopment Trust Fund to include the area in the Newtown CRA
• City Commission 6 p.m., June 2 16 2nd Reading to adopt Ordinance to Amend the RTF (from May 19 June 2)

For more information contact: Dru Jones, Economic Development Coordinator, Enterprise Zone Liaison, Newtown Redevelopment Office, PHO: 941.373.7780 or 373.7764, ext. 23, www.ez.sarasotagov.com

Note: The City’s Website address is sarasotagov.com. Select “Watch Live and Archived Videos” from the Main Web Page to view agendas, videos of meetings, and minutes.

Thursday, April 10, 2008 8:15PM Sarasota Film Festival and MelEcho Productions Presents Center Stage Live! Music Cafe Featuring R&B Jazz Artist - ERIC DARIUS and Friends

A musical showcase of the areas most talented performers and filmmakers presented by MelEcho Entertainment & the Sarasota Film Festival. The artist line up includes: National Recording Artist, Sax phenom, ERIC DARIUS, The Black List, Vol.1, Movie Director, TIMOTHY GREENFIELD-SANDERS and interviewer, ELVIS MITHCHELL, Tampa Bay’s #1 R&B band, BUS STOP, Nuevo Salsa, Flamenco and Gypsy Jazz musicians, LOTUS FIRE, Sultry R&B Diva, YWADA PITTS, Thought-provoking Spoken Word Artist, SHAVON REED and WALLY B and DJ LADY FEMME and her up-scale mix, for the mature savvy crowd.

And let’s not forget, delectable hors d’oeuvres and desserts, all Under the Stars at ESCA Restaurant & Courtyard 1888 Main Street in beautiful Downtown Sarasota. CENTER STAGE LIVE! Music Café is guaranteed to be an unforgettable evening for area professionals to network and have incredible fun.

Tickets are on sale now at the Sarasota Film Festival Box Office, MelEcho and Total Elegance Hair Salon. To make ticket purchases call 1-866-575-FILM, 941.366.6200, 941.359.3763 or visit: www.sarasotafilmfestival.com. For more information contact: Melanie S. Thomas, CEO,MelEcho Productions, Inc. 3080 North Washington Suite 4N, Sarasota, FL 34234, 941.359-3763 (Office) 941.359.9783 (fax).

Friday, April 11- 13, 2008 11:00AM Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribfest Palmetto, Fl

The 2nd Annual Gulf Coast Rhythm & RibFest will be held April 11, 12 & 13, 2008 at the Manatee Fairgrounds located in the historic city of Palmetto, FL. The Nations top Rib Masters from Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Ohio, and Florida will be serving their award winning specialties and competing for this year’s coveted “2008 Gulf Coast BBQ Champion” Award.

In addition to the outstanding food, music lovers will be entertained by a variety of local, regional and National bands as we present a great mix of Blues, Jazz, Pop, and Rock. Children will also have a blast, as they experience our Interactive Kid Challenge Fun Zone. Our Car & Bike show will feature something for everyone including classic, muscle and high performance categories.  

Gulf Coast Rhythm & RibFest is a major annual fundraising event benefiting United Community Centers, Inc. who provides educational, social and recreational programs to over 1,500 low income, and at-risk youth throughout Manatee County, Florida. Along with educational, social and recreational activities, the centers are heavily involved in programs to help economically disadvantaged youth find healthy solutions to the problems of poverty, drugs, crime, teen pregnancy and low self-esteem. United Community Centers, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization and all or a portion of contributions are tax-deductible.

Festival Hours: Friday, April 11, 11am – 10pm, Saturday, April 12, 11am – 10pm, Sunday, April 13, 11am – 7pm. FREE Parking. For more information contact: Patrick Carnegie: 941-746-7470 or go to the website; http://www.gulfcoastribfest.com

Saturday, April 12, 2008 9:00AM - 1PM Grand Opening - Newtown Open Air Market

Announcing the opening of a weekly Open Air Market in Newtown. Saturdays, Fredd "Glossie" Atkins Park. Market Highlights: Ole' Fashioned New World Farmers Market, Health and Wellness Info Center, Small Business Incubator, Support of Existing MLK Corridor Businesses, Live Music, and Special Events. Call for vendors is now open. Contact: Che Barnett at (941) 358-7860 or gncrc@verizon.net

April 12, 2008 11:00AM- 1PM  Wine Etiquette for the Business Professional, Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

Many may find that navigating the wine list can be more intimidating than sealing the deal. Vernona manager and wine expert Msr. Laurent Vasseur will help to make ordering wine in a business environment enjoyable and stress-free and give you pairing tips to confidently match any wine with any meal. The 2-hour class takes place in The Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge on Saturday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is $40 each per person (plus tax and gratuity). Space is limited so reservations are required.  Call (941) 309-2008 to make your reservation.

Back by popular demand! BBPN member, and one of Sarasota's successful Black business owners, Daisy Saunders. Daisy will share excerpts from her recently published book, BIG EYES™... Big Eyedeas for Achieving Optimum Success in Business and in Life. Learn personal empowerment strategies based on the premise that "success is not a rare gift available to a few, but a gift that is within everyone's capacity to achieve".

Daisy Saunders' Big EYEDeas™... for Achieving Optimum Success in Business and in Life is just one of the many success stories of this award winning business owner, author and National Speaker's Association member. Join us for this informative and interactive session. This is one you do not want to miss! Learn more about Daisy and the book at: www.BigEyesIntl.com

Cost: $10.00 per person. Food and drink included. Event will be held on the campus of USF. More to come.

Saturday, April 19, 2008 8:00am Newtown Community Action Team - Community Walk Update

The next walk is April 19th – Fredd Atkins Park.  Join the NCAT for a 3/4 mile walk that loops around the Newtown community. Get some exercise, meet new people, learn more about the Newtown community all the while getting some exercise. Walks will continue monthly on the 3rd Saturday each month. (More)

April is National Minority Health Month!

Established in April 2001, National Minority Health Month was launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This effort was a rebirth of Booker T. Washington’s initiative of 1915 to implement a National Negro Health Week. This campaign is meant to provide resources and support to build on public health and community partnerships that are in place to reduce health disparities.

As part of the statewide observance, there is a focus is on educating the community about the importance of oral health care prevention practices. The theme of the observance is “Make the Connection: A Healthy Mouth = A Healthy Body.” When people have oral health issues that persist over time, they may be at increased risk of: stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease and delivering premature and/or low-birth weight babies.

School age children and women of childbearing age are among those who benefit significantly from screening and education about good oral health habits. There is the potential to impact the health of another generation since the link between periodontal disease and the increased risk of delivering preterm and /or low-birth-weight babies has been established.

A variety of educational resources are available for you to share with people in the community; visit the Office of Minority Health website http://www.doh.state.fl.us/minority.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 11:30AM - 1:15PM The Gift of Giving: 2008 Giving Matter Luncheon with Program Facilitator WWSB ABC7 Anchor Woman, Silke Rible

Debby Mediema, 2007 Grassroot Leadership Initiative Alumni invites you to Giving Matters, A Program for and about Women in Philanthropy of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Southwest Florida Chapter. Women in Philanthropy are a powerful force for making a difference!

Meet Dottie Baer Garner, Chris Pfahler, Audrey Coleman, and Betty Schoenbaum,  four giving women in our community, and learn about their personal journeys of empowerment through the process of helping others.  Their inspirational stories provide examples for everyone in the nonprofit sector.

In addition to hearing from panelists, program facilitator, Silke Rible will stimulate interaction among those in attendance in a very special way. This initiative of encouraging women to give of their time, treasures and talents is sponsored by our Southwest Florida AFP Chapter. Cost:  Ranging from $25 for AFP members,  $30 for Individuals and $75 for Preferred seating. Location: Michaels on East, 1212 East Ave South, Sarasota, FL. 34239. RSVP to: AFP-Giving Matters attention: Kim Noyes, 941.921.5410 www.afpswfl.org. If you have additional questions,  please give Debby Mediema, 2007 Grassroot Leadership Initiative Alumni a call at 923-9447.

Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:30PM Eckerd College Program for Experienced Learners Free Information Session for Adults

Eckerd College Program for Experienced Learners will offer a free information session for adults 23 years or older considering earning a bachelor’s degree in a quality liberal arts program. Classes are offered in downtown Sarasota and various locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. The Program for Experienced Learners offers evening and weekend classes, accelerated terms, and the opportunity to earn credit for prior learning. Financial aid is available to qualified students. The program will be held at Eckerd College PEL Sarasota Center, 1549 Ringling Boulevard, Suite 500, Sarasota, Web site: www.eckerd.edu/pel

Sarasota County Health In Motion visits 13 Sites in During April

The Sarasota County Health Department’s 40 foot mobile medical unit, Health In Motion’s will visit
13 locations throughout north Sarasota, Laurel, Venice, Englewood and North Port during April. As
part of a special outreach for the April observance of Minority Health and Public Health Month.

The Health In Motion staff provide basic health services to residents with Medicaid, without health
insurance or who do not have transportation. No appointment is needed. The services offered
include blood pressure, and diabetes screening, HIV testing, pregnancy testing, tuberculosis skin
testing, adult immunizations, health education, and eligibility screening as part of assisting people
in locating a permanent health care provider. Senior Friendship Center volunteer physicians and
the Sarasota County Health Department’s medical director, Dr. Kieran Smart, provide basic
medical care on a rotating basis when the mobile unit visits the Salvation Army each Thursday.
A registered nurse is available at all other Health In Motion locations.

Some services will be free; other services will be offered on a sliding fee scale based on income.
Community agencies such as Community AIDS Network (CAN), and Coastal Behavioral
Healthcare will also provide specialized services. Health In Motion is supported in part by a two-year grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice which funds the staffing and medical equipment needs.

Those who would like a schedule of dates, routes and services can call the Sarasota County Call Center at 941.861.5000. Residents can also download a copy of the calendar by visiting the Sarasota County Health and Human Services website, www.sarasotahealth.org.

In Search of Entrepreneurial Excellence
The Gulf Coast Business Review is seeking the best and brightest Gulf Coast entrepreneurs for its 2008 Entrepreneur Award. And for the third consecutive year, the Review will be recognizing the best from its entire coverage area: Tampa Bay south to Naples.

If you know of a worthy candidate, please send us his or her name. We’re looking for entrepreneurs whose company’s results over the past three years show exceptional performance and growth. Nominees should be visionaries and leaders who have overcome obstacles or demonstrated extraordinary characteristics that have led their companies to exceptional achievements. The entrepreneurs must be owners or part owners of their companies, and their companies must be based on the Gulf Coast.

To nominate an entrepreneur, send his or her name to Mark Gordon at mgordon@review.net or call (941) 362-4848. Please include the person’s name, company, contact information and a brief description of what distinguishes the candidate.

Parks Matter: A New Foundation Aims to Revitalize Sarasota's Parks.

It all began only four months ago with a young person’s plea at a public meeting, the idea to start a parks foundation to support efforts to enhance Sarasota's parks services and amenities. Dr. Larry Miller, economic development coordinator for the City of Sarasota was the brainchild of the idea.  "I knew the connection between economic development and the parks. The park is a symbol of what the community stands for. If it’s well done and attractive, there’s an active and alive community,” Miller said.

Board members are: Tim Clarke, DeWanda Smith-Soeder, Diana Grandy, Larry Fineberg, Jeff Maultsby, Casey Colburn, Mark Famiglio, Roxanne Joffe, Millie Small and Robert Johnson. Rolland Heiser is chair, Lawrence Miller is president and Brenda Patten is secretary and treasurer. Michael Saunders, Ian Black, Phil Delaney, Jeff Lawenda, Dennis McGillicuddy, Graci McGillicuddy and Randy Benderson serve on the advisory council.

The Sarasota Parks Foundation has incorporated and filed for 501(c)3 status. The first priority parks are Robert Taylor, Payne Park and Mary Dean Park at 15th and Central Avenue. Payne Park, in the heart of the city, could become Sarasota’s Central Park with more community support.

For more information about the Sarasota Parks Foundation, call Dr. Lawrence Miller at 373-7764.

Free Tuition Offered at Harvard University

Harvard University announced that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families will pay no tuition.

If you know of a family earning less than $40,000 a year with an honor student graduating from high school soon, Harvard University wants to pay the tuition. The prestigious university recently announced that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families can go to Harvard for free...no tuition and no student loans!

To find out more about Harvard offering free tuition for families making less than $40,000 a year visit Harvard's financial aid web! site at: http://www.fao.fas.harvard.edu or call the school's financial aid office at: 617.495.1581

Syracuse Univ. School of Architecture Scholarships!

Mark Robbins, Dean of Syracuse Universities School of Architecture, is desperately seeking young men and women of color interested in pursuing a five year professional degree in Architecture. He is deeply committed to bringing diversity to his field and has scholarship money set aside to fully cover education costs for 10 students. He says that Hispanic enrollment in the school has increased substantially, but it's been harder to attract Blacks.

Syracuse Universities School of Architecture has a great reputation and this seems like a terrific opportunity, so please pass this on to everyone you know.

Contact: Mark Robbins, Dean School of Architecture 315. 443. 2255, robbinsm@syr.edu

Employment Corner

Program Associate - Ringling Museum/Florida State University

Database Administrator - Ringling Museum/Florida State University

If your business or place of employment has positions available please send us the job descriptions and we will place them in the newsletter-Free. We are also in the process if creating a resume database for our future BBPN Job Bank, coming soon. If you would like you resume included in this database (that employers can search for potential hires) please forward your resume as an attachment to info@blackbusinesspro.com

Privacy Policy - Resumes: BBPN will not send your private information to anyone outside BBPN for profit. We will not publish your email address, your physical address or any additional data without your consent. By sending your resume into the resume database you are however allowing that information to be forwarded to prospective employers. Information you do not want disclosed via resume should not be included in information sent to the database. Employers posting job openings; it is your responsibility to notify BBPN of posting dates or when a position has been filled.

Empowered Quote: "Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face." Carol Moseley-Braun (1947-)interview in The New Republic, November 15, 1993

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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