Commemorating the 2016 Philly Black Expo and Thanking the Philly Black Business Network for Cultivating the City's Black Business Leaders.

WHEREAS, Mark Anthony Jenkins started a group called the Philly Black Entrepreneurs Network on May 17, 2007 with a commitment to building and supporting black economic initiatives in the Philadelphia area. It later changed its name to the Philly Black Business Network; and

WHEREAS, The Philly Black Business Network hosts professional events tailored to the black business community. These events include networking mixers, speed networking events, business conferences, seminars and expos, business brunches, a monthly business and health book club, black tie affairs, community activism and volunteering opportunities, and corporate sporting events; and

WHEREAS, This year, the Philly Black Business Network has already hosted nearly 200 professional events at local establishments in Philadelphia. Mark Cunningham, John Proctor, Charles Roberts, and many others have helped to host successful monthly after-work networking mixers in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, The Philly Black Business Network’s mission is not only to host first-class, top-quality events but also to promote the significant accomplishments and outstanding achievements of black business owners and entrepreneurs; and

WHEREAS, The 2016 Philadelphia Black Expo will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2016, at the prestigious First District Plaza located at 3801 Market Street in Philadelphia, PA. The expo’s theme is also the Philly Black Business Network’s motto, “Supporting & Celebrating Black Businesses”; and

WHEREAS, The 2016 Philadelphia Black Expo’s #BankBlack initiative began September 1, 2016. Its goal is to open 1,000 new accounts at United Bank of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, The 2016 Philadelphia Black Expo will exhibit businesses showcasing their products and services. The expo will also include the Black Legacy and Leadership Awards Ceremony, business seminars, a community forum, a youth empowerment seminar, a health and wellness seminar, a fashion show, business networking mixers, a R&B concert, a gospel concert, and a comedy show; and

WHEREAS, The 2016 Philadelphia Black Expo offers businesses and organizations numerous ways to connect with consumers. With the goal to educate and uplift the growing, diverse black community, the Philadelphia Black Expo highlights black culture in many different areas. The 2016 Philadelphia Black Expo offers a chance for partners and visitors to experience premiere arts and entertainment, youth and family activities and programs, business networking, healthy living, and education; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby commemorate the 2016 Philly Black Expo and thank the Philly Black Business Network for cultivating the City’s black business leaders.

FUTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philly Black Business Network, evidencing the sincere respect of this legislative body.

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