Black Church Means Business Conference 2006
The 2006 BCMB Conference is a coalition of Black churches have embraced partnerships with other religious groups and corporate America, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs to present an interactive two-day forum. Providing information and guidance on starting and developing a profitable business, increasing access to commercial loans, franchising, real estate development, gaining government and private contracts, credit restoration, global markets, and a wealth of other areas!Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Conference Schedule
FAITH AND BUSINESS TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS CONTACT:
Camille T. Barrett
Intrakk Public Relations & Marketing
718-638-6397
intrakk@gmail.com
POWER BREAKFAST:
FAITH AND BUSINESS TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES
Keynote speaker, Mrs. Denise Durham Williams, National Director of Community Relations, Citibank, N.A. spoke passionately on the linkage between faith and economics, acknowledging the power of the church and faith-based organizations in building an active business community.
“We are here to partner,” said Williams, also a presenter at the 2006 Black Church Means Business Conference. “We want to help vitalize and stabilize the community.”
Williams highlighted her company’s $200 million 10 year financial education commitment to long term community development through wealth building by providing affordable housing.
Dr. Avis Hendrickson, Educator and volunteer member of the Conference Planning Committee, underscored Citibank’s focus on education in her update of the Conference’s various forums, which includes banking, real estate development and the business of fashion.
“Education is the key to opportunities, especially for our youths,” Dr. Hendrickson asserted.
The attentive audience listened to Rev. Dennis Dillon, CEO of The
“Some of the most formidable leaders are present,” stated Dillon, “…through our synergy of collective efforts, we will continue to make strides in economically impacting our communities.”
Rev. Dillon emphasized the tangible benefits to all conference participants, highlighting benefits to businesses that will see increase in capital, participation in government and corporate contracts; as well as increased access to product distribution and franchise ownership.
The Black Church Means Business Conference will be held on December 11th and 12th at the
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ABOUT THE
Under the mission “to enlighten and inspire in order to transform,” Black Church Means Business Conference was launched in 1994, committed to empowering the Black community with the spiritual and economic tools for community development and sustainability. The fourth major installment, the 2006 BCMB Conference will be held at the newly renovated
Piloted by Executive Chair Rev. Dennis Dillon, CEO of the New York Christian Times newspaper and Chief Executive Minister of the
Fashion Trade Show
VISION BEYOND A SEASON EXPLODES IN
New York, NY, October 17, 2006: The lucrative business of fashion comes to Brooklyn: The Black Church Means Business Conference presents the inaugural showing of the Visions Beyond A Season Trade Show™ (V-BAS™) at the famed historic Brooklyn Museum on December 11th and 12th. Recognizing that professional Black presence in the fashion industry is almost indistinguishable, the Black Church Means Business Conference, along with retail giant Macy's, has partnered to address key components that lead to measurable mainstream success.
This Trade Show is designed to facilitate traditional industry market procedures while remaining true to the distinctive cultural and economic needs of Black designers. V-BAS Trade Show Chair, Bonnie Sandy Sterling, outlined the short-term goal and overall vision of the show.
“Our aim is to create a space where individuals from all facets of the fashion industry can engage emerging Black fashion designers and entrepreneurs,’ Sandy Sterling said. “We are also inviting trendy and exclusive fashion outlets to forge a relationship with the Black community.”
The focus is primarily on workshops and seminars, trade exhibits and displays, and of course, a highly anticipated fashion show. Conversely, the long-term goal is to create a synergy, especially between 'retailers' and 'buyers', to later develop a professional comprehensive directory of Black fashion industry executives, designers and retailers.
Subsequently, with the Black Church Means Business 2006 Conference serving as the trade show's backdrop, thereby enriching the experience of participants. It also exposes these brands to an estimated 4000 Business owners, community leaders and clergy.
Sandy Sterling, is also CEO of Brooklyn Fashion Gallery, is thankful that BCMB, has stepped forward and accepted the challenge.
"The church and its members have always been an integral part of the Black designer's fashion culture,” noted Sandy Sterling. “The Gallery members have stepped forward to bring their expertise and fashion experience to the endeavor, creating an event that is not only professional and meets the highest industry standards, but also is true to the heritage of Black designers and the church.
Cheryl Monroe, Vice President, Supply Diversity and Vendor Development for Macy's, welcomes the opportunity to address the retailer's ongoing involvement with Black designers. "It is important that Black designers not feel intimidated by big retail stores," she said. "This Trade Show is the place to learn how to successfully approach Macy's." Ms. Monroe is also on the panel for the 'Supplier Diversity' forum.
In the coming weeks the Fashion Fusion planning committee will unveil their plans for this two-day trade show, specifically revealing the list of the coveted twenty talented Black designers whose creations will be displayed.
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ABOUT THE
Under the mission "to enlighten and inspire in order to transform," Black Church Means Business Conference was launched in 1994, committed to empowering the Black community with the spiritual and economic tools for community development and sustainability. The fourth major installment, the 2006 BCMB Conference will be held at the newly renovated
Piloted by Executive Chair Rev. Dennis Dillon, CEO of the New York Christian Times newspaper and Chief Executive Minister of the
For updates visit vbastradeshow@brooklynfashiongallery.com
Youth and Business conference
THE YOUTH & BUSINESS CONFERENCE:
EQUIPPING
In an effort to expose young people to a vast array of career paths and business options, this year’s conference incorporates two signature items, the first of which is The Corporate Lunch Tour, sponsored by the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz. Through this special lunch tour, many young people will get the opportunity to meet with representatives of the major corporations and financial institutions participating in the Black Church Means Business Conference. Each participating company will host 15 to 20 young people for lunch, a tour of their facility, and an informal lecture and information on how that company works.
Macy’s Youth Makeover is the second signature item of this Conference. One selected boy and girl will be outfitted for both business and urban attire. Macy’s is also co-sponsor of the inaugural showing of the Visions Beyond A Season Trade Show™ (V-BAS™), which is designed to facilitate traditional industry market procedures while remaining true to the distinctive cultural and economic needs of Black designers.
“This year, we are focusing on managing money and business ownership techniques,” noted Johnnie Howard, Co-Chair of the Youth & Business Conference. “We also want our young people to learn what it takes to be a savvy and successful business person while becoming confident utilizing networking skills.”
The keynote speaker for the Youth Conference is Farrah Gray, a 21-year-old self-made millionaire and author of Reallionaire. Gray, who grew up in public housing with his mom, started his first business at 8 years of age, made his first million at age 14, and continues to make millions.
“Mr. Gray was a huge hit last year,” noted Faye Braz, Black Church Means Business Chair. “We were excited that he accepted our invitation to return to share his successes with our young people.”
The Youth & Business Conference will be capped off with a Jam Session, an open mic and live entertainment.
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ABOUT THE
Under the mission “to enlighten and inspire in order to transform,” Black Church Means Business Conference was launched in 1994, committed to empowering the Black community with the spiritual and economic tools for community development and sustainability. The fourth major installment, the 2006 BCMB Conference will be held at the newly renovated
Piloted by Executive Chair Rev. Dennis Dillon, CEO of the New York Christian Times newspaper and Chief Executive Minister of the
