The Power of E--E-Commerce, Energy, Education & the Environment is the Focus of Event Which Brings Celebrity Guests, Keynote Speaker, Vendors, Musical Entertainment, Workshops and More to Hampton Roads
 Morris Chestnut |  Lisa Raye |
Virginia Beach, VA (BlackNews.com) - For the fifth consecutive year, the Virginia Black Expo--the largest event of its kind directly targeting the African-American community--will return to Hampton Roads. The Power of E--E-Commerce, Energy, Education & the Environment will be the theme of the event which will be held Saturday, August 22, 2009, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The Virginia Black Expo, presented by McCants Communications Group, Inc., publishers of the Black Pages, USA directories, will feature appearances by actor Morris Chestnut, actress LisaRaye McCoy and a keynote address and book signing by entrepreneur and author George C. Fraser.
CELEBRITY GUESTS
Hollywood heart-throb Morris Chestnut will make an appearance from 4 - 5 p.m. where the public will be able to meet and greet him up close. Chestnut will be at the Virginia Black Expo to sign autographs and take pictures with Expo attendees. Chestnut has starred in major films such as Two Can Play That Game and the acclaimed Boyz 'N the Hood, which has been inducted into the United States' Library of Congress. Other popular films include The Best Man, Ladder 49 and T.D. Jakes' Not Easily Broken.
A native of Cerrios, California, Chestnut majored in drama and finance at California State University. His multiple talents, good looks and community service has earned him numerous awards. He has also been nominated for an NAACP Image Award.
The beautiful actress and fashion designer LisaRaye McCoy made her acting debut as the lead in Reasons, an independent film directed by Monty Ross. She also had the lead role in the film The Players Club and has film credits in numerous other films including The Wood, opposite Omar Epps. She also starred from 2003-2007 in The CW (then UPN) sitcom All of Us. LisaRaye, who has appeared in several music videos, has launched two fashion lines: Luxe & Romance, a lingerie line and Xraye, a jeans line for women. She was nominated for a NAACP Image Award in 2007. LisaRaye will make her appearance at the Black Expo from 2 - 3 p.m.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The Expo's keynote speaker will be George C. Fraser, Chairman and CEO of FraserNet, Inc. Fraser is known for his ability to energize and inspire those who have the opportunity to hear him speak. He founded FraserNet, Inc. 20 years ago with the vision to lead a global networking movement that brings together diverse human resources to increase opportunities for people of African descent. He is considered by many to be a new voice for African Americans and one of the foremost authorities on economic development, networking and building effective relationships.
Fraser is the author of three critically acclaimed books: Success Runs in Our Race: The Complete Guide to Effective Networking in the Black Community and Race For Success: The Ten Best Business Opportunities for Blacks in America and the most recent, Click: Ten Truths for Building Extraordinary Relationships. He is also the publisher of the award-winning SuccessGuide Worldwide: The Networking Guide to Black Resources. He is the founder of the annual PowerNetworking Conference, where thousands of Black professionals, business owners and community leaders gather to discuss and do business with each other. Fraser's appearance will be on the main stage at 1:15 p.m. and he will sell and sign his books from 2:15 until 3 p.m.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
A delightful highlight of the Virginia Black Expo is the entertainment. Starting at 11 a.m. and continuing until 5:30 p.m., the Black Expo will feature a variety of gospel, R&B and jazz performances from artists throughout Hampton Roads and along the East Coast.
A sample of the numerous artists include Jazz Clarinetist Sharon, Karizz an R&B vocalist, the R&B duo The Bangz, Hollywood Holly, R&B/Jazz/Funk/NeoSoul vocalist Rachel Brown, Gospel vocalist Karen Poole from Sweet Melody Ministries and Nikki Canada an Inspirational Jazz soloist. The variety of entertainment creates listening pleasures for everyone.
WORKSHOPS
During the Expo, there will be workshops for the entire family created to educate and inform Expo attendees. Workshops will focus on E-Commerce, Energy, Education & the Environment and are included in Black Expo admission.
• 10 AM How to Do Business with the Cities & Port in Hampton Roads
Presented by the Cities of Hampton Roads & The Port of Virginia
• 12 PM Young Entrepreneurs: Preparing for Our Changing Economy
Presented by L.E.G.I.T.
• 3 PM National Economic Outlook with Economist Anika R. Khan
Presented by Wachovia "A Wells Fargo Company"
SPECIAL EXPO OPPORTUNITY
This year, a unique career opportunity will be available for attendees. On behalf of a federal contractor, 'The Career Engineer" will be scouting for talent for Resource Efficiency "Energy" Managers (REM) at U.S. Army Bases. The TCEJobStop Search Engine will also be LIVE for use with current Virginia & worldwide career opportunities!
THIS YEAR'S EXPO HIGHLIGHTS
The State of African-American Business Awards Breakfast returns for the second year on Thursday, August 20. This annual breakfast will feature speaker Rick C. Wade, Senior Advisor & Deputy Chief of Staff for the Secretary of the US Department of Commerce and will be held at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center. Hosted by WGNT-TV CW 27's Kafi Rouse, host and producer of Here & Now on The CW, the breakfast will also feature a presentation of special awards to outstanding businesses throughout Hampton Roads. The breakfast is sponsored by the Departments of Economic Development in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk and Portsmouth and attendance is by invitation only.
The Hampton Roads Committee of 200+ Men & Black Pages USA Third Annual Golf Tournament has become a favorite tournament amongst golfers. This year, it will be held at Virginia Beach National Golf Club on Thursday, August 20. To register as an individual or foursome call (757) 570-4463.
Recurring events and other Expo favorites include the Black Expo Boat Tour which will sail from Lesner Bridge at Lynnhaven Inlet of Virginia Beach on Friday, August 21 and the Black Expo Kickoff Reception which will take place on Friday evening at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center. Both events are for Expo sponsors and vendors and by invitation only.
2009 SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Thursday, August, 20
9 AM The State of African-American Business Awards Breakfast featuring speaker Rick Wade, Senior Advisor & Deputy Chief of Staff for the Secretary of the US Department of Commerce Westin Virginia Beach Town Center (By invitation only)
Sponsored by the Departments of Economic Development in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Noon Hampton Roads Committee of 200 + Men & Black Pages USA Third Annual Golf Tournament
Virginia Beach National Golf Club. To register call (757) 570-4463. (Additional fee required)
7:30 PM VIP Reception at the Skybar
Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront (By invitation only)
Friday, August, 21
Noon The Black Expo Boat Tour
Lesner Bridge at Lynnhaven Inlet, Virginia Beach, VA (pass required to board) Sponsored by State Farm
6:30 PM Pre-Expo Kickoff Reception
Westin Virginia Beach Town Center (By invitation only)
Saturday, August 22
11 AM - 7 PM 5th Annual Virginia Black Expo
Virginia Beach Convention Center
1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
10 AM Workshops begins
11 AM Black Expo doors open
1 - 5:30 PM Local Entertainment
1:15 - 2:15 PM Entrepreneur George Fraser speaks
2:15 - 3 PM Entrepreneur George Fraser signs his books
2 - 3 PM Actress LisaRaye McCoy, meet-and-greet, autograph signing, picture taking
4 - 5 PM Actor Morris Chestnut, meet-and-greet, autograph signing, picture taking
Workshops & Seminars
10 - 11 AM How to Do Business with the Cities & Port in Hampton Roads ~ Presented by the Cities of Hampton Roads & The Port of Virginia
Get first-hand knowledge of the process for doing business with each City's purchasing officials in addition to The Port of Virginia. Hear directly from the procurement officers from all seven cities and the Port in one seminar. Make contact with the professionals directly responsible for buying goods/services for each City and the Port.
12 - 1 PM Young Entrepreneurs: Preparing for Our Changing Economy ~ Presented by L.E.G.I.T.
Young entrepreneurs will discuss how they are learning about owning and operating their businesses. These young entrepreneurs (ages 11-16) show that you are never too young to get the tools you need to be a successful business owner.
3 - 4 PM National Economic Outlook with Economist Anika R. Khan ~ Presented by Wachovia "A Wells Fargo Company"
The U.S. will continue to struggle in the months to come, but signs of stabilization are on the Horizon. Anika Khan, an economist for Wachovia "A Wells Fargo Company", will review the current status of the economy and outlook for the future.
ABOUT THE FIFTH ANNUAL VIRGINIA BLACK EXPO
During the event, more than 150 African-American owned businesses and other vendors will showcase their products and services to the public. It is also a unique opportunity for major corporations and government entities to develop viable working relationships with minority-owned businesses while marketing their products and services to a growing consumer market. The event also features seminars, workshops, celebrity guests, youth activities, live entertainment and the return of the Hampton Roads Committee of 200+ Men & Black Pages USA Golf Tournament.
McCants Communications Group, Inc. has successfully hosted minority business expositions in Wilmington, N.C. (twelve years), Columbia, S.C. (twelve years), Charleston, S.C. (ten years), and Jacksonville, FL (seven years), while attracting hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors.
SPONSORS
Virginia Black Expo 2009 sponsors include The Port of Virginia, Dominion Resources, Wachovia "A Wells Fargo Company", ADT, Bank of America, BB&T, HREDA (Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance), New York Life, Optima Health, State Farm and the Departments of Economic Development in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Media partners include CW 27 WGNT-TV; 95.7 R&B; Rejoice 100.9; New Journal & Guide, Richmond Free Press, The Richmond Voice and the Hampton Voice newspapers, and Inside Business.
COSTS & ADVANCE TICKET INFORMATION
The admission cost for the Virginia Black Expo is $12 for individuals ages 13 and up; $6 for children ages 6-12; and children ages 5 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.
For more information on securing an exhibitor booth or being a sponsor of the Fifth Annual Virginia Black Expo, please call McCants Communications Group, Inc. at (757) 399-4153 or visit BlackPagesUSAonline.com
It is the mission of McCants Communications Group, Inc. to encourage, support and facilitate economic empowerment of the African-American community through the development of a strategic local business network, educational initiatives and communications ventures. In 1998, this dedication to economic empowerment for African Americans led to the creation of a new division--The Black Expo. McCants Communications Group, Inc. recently acquired Jonathan Nazeer's It's Just Events (IJE) and will complete further expansion by 2010. McCants Communications Group, Inc., which now includes IJE, Black Pages USA and The Black Expo, is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina and operates offices throughout the Southeastern United States.
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