Oportunities in trade and tourism, playing an active role in public policy, and tips to market and take their businesses to elevate them to the next level were some of the topics discussed at the 2011 South Florida State of the Black Business Forum & Networking Reception.

The event which was held on Friday, July 15, by the Mosaic Group at the Renaissance Hotel in Plantation, FL. was divided into private sector and public sector forums. These ignited discussions and solutions among public officials from state, county and municipal levels, private corporations, professional associations, and small/medium business owners about the outlook, challenges, and strategies for growth, development, and sustainability of black businesses. The event also shared with all who attended the National Black Business Month “31 Days, 31 Ways to support a Black Business” Initiative which kicks off August 1.

Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness speaking in the public sector forum said, “I believe that holding forums such as these are necessary to bring our business community together to create synergy where black business owners and professionals can work together and even partner to ensure their viability. Entrepreneurs are the number one creator of wealth for people in America.”

The 2011 participants included:

Public Sector Forum:

Amefika D. Geuka, Board Chairman & Founder, Joseph Littles-NGUZO SABA Charter School, Andy Ingraham, President/CEO, NABHOOD, Bill Diggs, President, Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, Dwight Stephenson, CEO, D. Stephenson Construction, Honorable Mack Bernard, Florida House, District 84, Honorable Dale Holness, Broward County Commissioner, Honorable Perry Thurston, Jr., Florida House, District 93 and Honorable Wayne M. Messam, Commissioner, City of Miramar

Private Sector Forum

Ann McNeill, President /Founder, NABWIC, Burnadette Norris-Weeks, Attorney, Law Offices of Bernadette Norris-Weeks, P.A., Bradley Harper, Partner, Olds, Stephens and Harper, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Derrick Berry, CEO Buccaneer Mortgage, Jerry Osteryoung, Jim Moran Institute, College of Business FSU and Tony Lesesne, Founder and Co-Publisher, In-Focus Magazine

Addressing the participants, the forum’s coordinator, Ann Marie Sorrell, CEO of the Mosaic Group said, “This forum is not merely about surviving, but to thrive and build sustainable businesses that will be here for generations to come. We must seek new markets and opportunities, understand how legislation impacts our bottom line, and moreover, understand the importance of strategic partnerships and supporting businesses in our communities. This initiative has empowered us to develop the South Florida Black Economic Council which we will launch in the coming months.”    

There were more than 140 attendees present and eager to network and learn from the distinguished panel of thought leaders.

“The event was great, thoughtful, and necessary. I will support Ann Marie Sorrell’s initiative to form the South Florida Black Economic Council for the Black Business community so that we can form and support legislation, policies, and economic initiatives. This is a step beyond holding the Annual South Florida State of the Black Business Forum”, says Derrick Berry, Owner of Buccaneer Mortgage.