Welcome Members,

This month begins the printing of the newsletter on a monthly basis. We did not have a 3rd Thursday Networking event in July because of the slow summer months and secondly the need for me to take a bit of personal time for myself and family.

We have a 3rd Thursday Networking Event scheduled for August 21, 2008 6:00PM - 8:00PM. We will meet at Flemings Prime Steak House and Wine Bar one of Sarasota's premier restaurants. This will be a casual after business networking event, an opportunity to meet and network with professionals and business owners, sample the exquisite menu of Fleming's, relax after a long day of work and have fun.

August also marks the start of the monthly BBPN E-Newsletter. Many of you regularly send information to be placed in the newsletter and have become accustom to the weekly schedule. Because the BBPN E-Newsletter will be sent out just once per month from here on we need to establish tight deadlines for your submissions. Below is the scheduling deadlines for submission of information.

BBPN E-Newsletter Submissions must be received via e-mail at: info@blackbusinesspro.com by the last Monday of each month for print in the following month's newsletter.

• Please e-mail print ready information. (Information printed in the newsletter is generally no more than 200 words which includes who, what and where and what time.) Information should be submitted in a Word document. Additional information or attachments must submitted as a PDF, URL (for website links), photos (small e-mail sized or width(107 pixels) x length(160 pixels).

• If the submission is a "Save the Date" you must re-submit the information for the month of its actual occurrence.

Employment Corner job submissions should include the job description as a Word or PDF document. It is your responsibility to inform us when the position has been filled and we will remove it from the newsletter.

Spread the Word example submissions include: notices of promotion, positions acquired, neighborhood/community organization activities/meetings, and generally short mention items that are newsworthy to business, professionals and community at-large.

Advertising in the BBPN Newsletter is a very easy way to marketing your business on the world wide web. We have very low rates and our views are increasing daily. For information on advertising in the BBPN E-Newsletter go to our website at: http://www.blackbusinesspro.com/AdvertiseWithUs.htm

New BBPN Members and Newsletter Subscribers when a new member of E-Newsletter subscribers joins BBPN we receive their information via e-mail. We will list your name, profession or company in this section.

*Failure to meet these deadlines might prevent your information from being presented in a timely manner.

If you have questions please contact us at: 941.366.8403

Thursday, July 31, 2008 - August 3rd Teen Summit 2008 "Greatness Beyond Measure"
Ringling College of Art and Design

Calling all teens! Calling all adults who support the growth of our community's youth! The Greatness Beyond Measure Team Summit will feature the well know and successful Discovery of You Teen Forum, oratorical contest, panel discussions, praise in the park, college fair/tours, teen music cafe, GBM workshops, family cookout, GDM TV taping, mentoring fair, teen debate, poetry slam, step show and live DJ's. Sponsored by Executive Producers, MelEcho Productions, Inc. and Echoluv Enterprises, along with the City of Sarasota the Greatness Beyond MeasureTeen Summit is a great opportunity for youth and adults to connect and share. Tickets are just $5 (parent or guardian attendance requested.)

A VIP Reception will be held on Friday this is an opportunity for community leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, educators, non-profit organizations and others to meet the keynote speakers; authors, Dr. Farrah Gray and Dr. Delatorro MeNeal II two of today's most highly sought after professional speakers, entrepreneurs and wealth builders. (VIP Reception PDF)

For information: www.srqboxoffice.com 941.373.7886 or 941.359.3763, myspace.com/greatnessbeyondmeasure (Activity Schedule)

Thursday, August 31, 2008 Second Chance Last Opportunity On the Fox Morning Show

Second Chance Last Opportunity a local non-profit and friend to BBPN just received incredibly exciting news!!  The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet on Fox is flying April Glasco, the SCLO Executive Director, and an SCLO client to New York to appear live on the show at 10am this Thursday morning, August 31st. Set your TIVO and pass the news on to anyone and everyone!!  First stop Fox in NY; after that, hopefully the next surprise phone call will be from Oprah! Check out their website!! www.SecondChanceLastOpportunity Second Chance-Last Opportunity, P.O. Box 1048, Sarasota, FL 34230, 941.360.8660

August 2008 Health in Motion Vehicle Schedule- Sarasota County Health Department

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 August. Sarasota County “Health in Motion” provides convenient and confidential medical care. Some services free. Other services offered on sliding fee scale. The August Health In Motion Mobile Medical Unit calendar and news releases are attached for your reference. (PDF- Mobile Unit August Schedule); (PDF-Sarasota County Health News)

Friday, August 1, 2008 5:00PM - 7:00PM Sarasota Obama Campaign Headquarters Opening in Sarasota with Reception- Open to Public

The Obama Headquarters in Sarasota are open! Come celebrate, meet staff, connect with your neighbors and sign up for volunteer events in our beautiful new space on Main Street. There will be refreshments, a host of speakers, lots of Obama gear and opportunities to contact voters! This event is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend. This office will be the nerve center for operations in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, DeSoto and Hardee Counties.

Come one, come all! The locations is at 1343 Main Street, Suite 200 in Sarasota, in the Palm Tower just above Sarasota News & Books (separate entrance to the right of the bookstore). Please contact Field Organizer Adam Fetcher with any questions (afetcher@floridaforchange.com/ 941.518.4644.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 City of Sarasota to Celebrate the 25th Annual National Night Out Against Crime

The City of Sarasota will host the 25th annual National Night Out Against Crime Tues., August 5, 2008 from 6pm – 9pm at Payne Park. Residents are invited to enjoy free food, entertainment, giveaways and, of course, fun.

National Night Out was introduced by the National Association of Town Watch in 1983. More than 12,000 communities throughout the U.S. and Canada are expected to participate this year. It is estimated more than 35.4 million people took part last year in National Night Out events.

Free shuttles will be available throughout the evening from various neighborhood locations to the event. For more information about Sarasota’s National Night Out event call the Neighborhood Partnership Office at 954-2612. (Night Out Flyer PDF)

Saturday, August 9, 2008 12Noon - 3:00PM 7th Annual Fall Semester School Supply Giveaway!
The Mary Bradley Weeks Educational Project, Inc., will hold its 7th Annual Fall Semester School Supply Giveaway. This is an opportunity for students of all ages to get the needed supplies for school. The giveaway will be held at the Sudakoff Center located on the campus of New College/USF Sarasota-Manatee, 5845 General Dougher Place, Sarasota, Florida 34243. The Mary Bradley Weeks Educational Project, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c)-(3). For more information contact Mary Bradley Weeks 941.953.4499

Monday, August 11, 2008 9:00AM to 11:30AM Arts in Action Forum

On August 11 the results of an inventory compiled by Arts in Action Forum will be discussed. Over 100 arts related projects that happen throughout our area were identified by the 83 participants in attendance.

The Arts in Action Forum will begin to determine plans for utilizing the power of the arts to inspire and create connections between the arts and non-arts communities, institutions, and businesses. The next meeting, open to anyone interested in supporting the project to build diverse partnerships in the Sarasota community will be held at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, 2635 Fruitville Road in Sarasota. RSVP to: Maureen Hadden at SCOPE 941.365.8751

August 13-15, 2008 Florida Department of Health Hosts 2008 Florida Minority Health Disparities Summit - Tallahassee

The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) Office of Minority Health will host the 2008 Florida Minority Health Disparities Summit on August 13-15 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay in Tampa, FL. The summit’s theme is “Bridging the Gap: Embracing Solutions to Eliminate Health Barriers.” The event will examine challenges that contribute to health disparities and present innovative strategies and recommendations to eliminate health disparities that impact racial and ethnic populations.

DOH promotes, protects and improves the health of all people in Florida. To register online for the 2008 Florida Minority Health Disparities Summit, visit www.gnahec.org/. Early registration is $100 and entitles an individual to all conference activities and lunch. Registration after July 18th will be $110 and on-site registration is $115. Sponsors, vendors and exhibitors are welcome. To become a sponsor, vendor or exhibitor, visit the DOH website at www.doh.state.fl.us/Minority/pdfs_and_word_docs/MarketingProspectus08.pdf . For more information about the minority health summit, visit the website at www.doh.state.fl.us/Minority/index.htm or call: Betty L. Smith, Office of Minority Health, Telephone: 850/245-4444, ext. 2008

August 13-16 Wanna Know the Best Way to find S.E.X. in the City?

Are you between the ages of 15 and 25? Second Chance-Last Opportunity presents Youth S.E.X. Seminars on August 13-16!

• Talent search
• Expos dealing with social and health issues
• Communication exchanges
• Food

Come see what’s going down! S = Social, E = Empowerment, X = Xchange Sign up today by calling 360-8660 for more information! (Flyer PFD)

August 13th and August 27th 6:15PM Stetson University College of Law Informational Sessions

Stetson University College of Law will present two information sessions for prospective part-time law students in August. Identical information will be presented at two programs offered:

·  Aug. 13 in the Great Hall at the Gulfport campus, 1401 61st St. S.

·  Aug. 27 in classrooms 135 and 136 at the Tampa Law Center, 1700 N. Tampa St.

"Stetson Law continues to offer the first and only part-time law program in Tampa Bay," said Executive Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Laura Zuppo. "This is the only program available in the area that allows students to attend evening classes to finish the law degree in four years."

The information sessions will explain the law school admission and financial aid processes, Stetson’s curriculum, legal careers, and will provide insights from part-time law students. Stetson Law enrolls new part-time evening students in the fall of every year. To RSVP and for more information and directions, visit Stetson on the web at: http://www.law.stetson.edu/admissions/PTinformationsessions.asp. or contact Frank Klim, Executive Director of Communications, Stetson University College of Law, Office:727-562-7889

Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 6:30PM (reception at 5:30PM) Manatee County NAACP Annual Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet Announces Award Recipients

The Manatee County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has announced the recipients of its Annual Freedom Fund and Awards. Fran Padgett will received the Presidential Award, Freddie Brown will received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Bishop Dexter McDonald will received the Community Service Award, Patrick Carnegie will received the Unsung Hero Award, and Dr. Robert Pelot will received the Business Industrial Award.

The event held each year will be at the Bradenton Municipal Auditorium, Bradenton, Florida.  Keynote speaker is Adora Nweze,  Florida State NAACP Conference President and National NAACP Board Member.

Please help the NAACP continue the struggle for equality for all people by becoming a sponsor, purchasing a table/tickets, placing an advertisement in our journal and/or making a generous donation. If you have any questions, please call Rita Smith at 941-321-3224, or Edward Bailey, Branch President, at 580-2817. (Flyer PDF)

Planned Parenthood of Southwest Florida Opens Manatee County Location

As you may know, we have just opened our 7th health center!  It's in Manatee County -- our first ever in that county.  Planned Parenthood of Southwest Florida is thrilled to finally be able to serve the families of the Manatee County area -- a county in great need of many their programs that include low cost birth control, prevention and education. The office is located at 1105 53rd Avenue -- phone number 941.567.3800.

Fantasy Football Anyone - Join the BBPN Southwest Florida Fantasy Football League

Charles Stephens, a BBPN member and football fanatic is looking for members who are interested in joining the BBPN Southwest Florida Fantasy Football League. Fantasy football is a great way to follow NFL action while also competing with your family, friends, co-workers or even strangers for bragging rights. You field a team of real NFL players and accumulate points based on their actual game statistics. Scoring systems and competitive formats vary from site to site and league to league, but the ultimate objective is to field the best team based on players stats.

We will keep track of the action and capture it here on the newsletter. During the NFL season Charles will feed us up-to-date information on how the league is doing. We will print updates in the newsletter with links to the BBPN website for everyone's viewing pleasure. Men and women are welcomed to join and play! If you are interested in joining go to: http://games.espn.go.com/frontpage and sign up with BBPN of SW FL league or contact Charles Stephens for more information at: CSTEPHENS2010@tampabay.rr.com Phone: 941.356.0117.

Thursday, September 4, 2008 Lovette W. Harper Collection of African and Asian Art

Opening reception and exhibit of art from the Lovette W. Harper collection of African and Asian Art at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. Contact Art Center Sarasota for more information: 941.965.2032 or go their website at: http://www.artsarasota.org

Friday, September 26, 2008 6:30 PM Henry Lawrence Hometown Hero Celebration/Gala and Fundraiser

You are cordially invited to attend and participate in the Celebration Festivities honoring the community and philanthropic service of Henry Lawrence. Come join the celebration with relatives,  friends, business associates and former teammates.

The Henry Lawrence Youth Foundation which has been in existence for nearly 19 years. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the cultural, academic and life opportunities of youth who might not otherwise have reasonable access to such advancement. Henry has worked to support these efforts for many years as an entertainer, motivational speaker in the prison ministry, on school campuses and various platforms in this country and abroad. The Foundation regularly sponsors and   participates in sports camps and youth mentoring activities for youth of all races and ethnicities.         

The event will be held at Mattison's Riverside Twin Dolphin Marina, 1200 1st. Ave., Bradenton, FL. Reception/auction 6:30 P.M.  Dinner/Live Entertainment 7:45 P.M. For more information please contact: Phone 941/545-4279 or Email: gpresha@tampabay.rr.com HENRY LAWRENCE YOUTH FOUNDATION 2110 2ND AVE EAST  PALMETTO, FL 34221. (Invitation PDF), (Sponsorship PDF)

October 23, 2008 11:45AM-1:30PM 2008 Leadership Legends Award Luncheon - Grassroots Leadership Initiative

Save October 23 on your fall calendar for the 2008 Leadership Legends Award Luncheon recognizing the Hon. Elliott Metcalfe.  The Leadership Legends Awards Luncheon recognizes individuals who have made inspiring contributions, careers and commitments to emerging leadership in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. This event benefits the Grassroots Leadership Initiative,  a free, year-long leadership development program that builds essential skills, mentoring and networking opportunities in grassroots leaders from Sarasota and Manatee Counties. We look forward to celebrating the Hon. Elliott Metcalfe, a community treasure, with you. For more information go to check out the Grassroots Leadership Initiative Website at: http://www.glisuncoast.org

Save the date! Friday, November 7, 2008 Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Fashionetta 2008

Come join the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for Fun, Food, Fashion and evening to remember. Jot down Friday, November 7, 2008 and let us know if you plan to join us for this “Pink & Green” good time!

If you are interested, please RSVP to Electra and you will receive an invitation with all the necessary information. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! All proceeds go to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarship Program. Contact information:  electra70@comcast.net; 941-351-4897 PS: If you cannot attend, donations, to aid our students,are greatly appreciated. MANY THANKS!

Spread the Word

Lynette Hutchinson, fellow BBPN member, has joined Firkins Nissan1611 Cortez Rd., Bradenton, FL 34207, 941-755-1571 as a new car sales consultant. Lynette can be contacted directly at: Phone 941.993.9032 and LynetteM.Hutchinson@verizon.net

A New Beginning For Newtown - Neighborhood Action Committee Meetings

Economic Development Committee- Monday, August 11, 2008 5:30PM Newtown Estates Recreation Center (2800 Newtown Estates Blvd.)

Law Enforcement Committee- "Enough is Enough" Tuesday, August 12, 2008 5:30PM Selby Goodwill (1781 Dr. MLK Jr. Way)

Neighborhoods Committee- Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 5:00PM Newtown Redevelopment office (1782 Dr. MLK Jr. Way)

Newtown CHAT (Community Health Action Team) - Tuesday, August 26, 2008 6:00PM Selby Goodwill (1781 Dr. MLK Jr. Way)

Newtown Community Walk

July 19, 2008 8:30AM - Learn about the history of Newtown buildings, share tales of growing up in Newtown and the people who make it a great community.  What a great way to take a walk! Walk starts at Fredd Atkins ParK 301 and MLK. For more information call: 941.650.4856

Newtown Open Air Market
Market closed until November 2008. If you are interested in being a vendor or just want more information: 941.358.7860                

Downtown Farmer's Market
Saturdays 7AM until Noon. The Downtown Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, along Lemon Ave. in the heart of Downtown. Come join the residents of Sarasota for the freshest produce, creative artisans and eclectic foods anywhere along the Suncoast. Sponsored by the Downtown Partnership of Sarasota.

New BBPN Members and Newsletter Subscribers

Welcome to the most recently joined members and subscribers to the BBPN Newsletter: Maria Andrasi, DigiFx Printing and Graphic Design, Veronica Daly, First VISA, Charles Lyons, AFLAC, Robin Carter, City of Sarasota, Alfreda Love, Love's 360, Sandra Gainey, Greta Spradley, Alfred Miller, New College, Christine Lange, Ringling College of Art and Design, Angela Baily, Nitza Wright, US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Jeffery Turner, Thoughtful Solutions, Inc, Nadia Smallwood, Apple Insurance, De'Nicea Hilton, The Florida Aquarium Inc, Latrice Johnson, Latrice M. Johnson Company, Mikita Showers-Coleman.

Employment Corner

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: "Sometimes you've got to let everything go - purge yourself. If you are unhappy with anything . . . whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. Because you'll find that when you're free, your true creativity, your true self comes out.” Tina Turner

To continue receiving our newsletter in your mailbox (and not in your junk folder), please add info@blackbusinesspro.com to your address book or safe sender list.

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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