Ron Busby, Sr. - The Ebony Cactus

President’s WelcomeGood evening and welcome to the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce’s 8th Annual BlackChamber Banquet. This past year has been one of great changes and great promise. We have nowbeen in our new headquarters for 2 years and the move has been beneficial for the Chamber and itsmembers.During this past year we said goodbye to a treasured friend and associate, Marquis Scott, whosehard work served the Chamber well for many years. As we look toward 2007, I would like to introduceto you our new team: Edy Blackwell & Pam Washington, our new Business Developers, LaTanyaJones is our new Events and Communications Officer and as always Teresa Walker is our OfficeManager. This year we have also welcomed many new members to our fold. Their energy andenthusiasm coupled with the faith and support given us by our long standing members helps to makethe GPBCC what it is.This past year has been one of great change not only for our Metropolitan area, but for the State ofArizona as well. Strategic pieces of legislation and successful bond elections throughout the Statehave our political and community leaders exploding with excitement. They are also committingthemselves and their organizations to diversifying their vending and subcontracting bases. GreaterPhoenix is advancing into the 21st century with leaps and bounds. However, with these tremendouschanges, it is no longer enough for members of the GPBCC or Black-owned Businesses as a whole toonly seek inclusion. Greater Phoenix Black Chamber member businesses have the opportunity to sitat the decision making table where the agenda for future economic direction will be set. Our goal is tojoin the leadership of the Valley in its efforts, not simply to follow their lead. It is therefore, ourcommitment to our members and the Greater Phoenix community to be visible in all areas of businessand economics.Tonight is also a night to thank our volunteers, our in-kind and our various financial contributors whohave been the wind beneath our wings. Without you, our growth and service level improvements couldnot have been achieved.Finally, we say thank you for the love and support that you and others have shown the GreaterPhoenix Black Chamber of Commerce. In the world of non-profits, each month is an adventure. Weoften get caught up asking ourselves, "Will there be enough to make it through?" But it is because ofthe friends of this Chamber that we have not simply survived, instead, for eight years we've lived tofight another day and we've ended up doing some pretty good things along the way.On behalf of my staff, our volunteers, and our creative and hard working Board of Director members, Isay welcome to our 8th Annual Dinner. I truly hope you enjoy yourselves. Tonight we look back andappreciate. Tomorrow we set out to make 2007 our best year ever!May God bless you and keep you.Sincerely,Cody WilliamsPresident and CEOGreater Phoenix Black Chamber of CommerceGPBCC 8th Annual Dinner and Business Celebration GPBCC Poised and Ready for Growth