Golf & tennis challenge goes west: BE seeks to open new doors of opportunity with move to California. (Challenge).

In 1996 the Black Enterprise/Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge had been slated to take place in California, but after that state revoked its affirmative action policy with the passage of Proposition 209, the controversial California Civil Rights Initiative ending all preferences in state employment, education, and contracting, this company, which adamantly opposes that proposition, rescinded. As a result, that state lost more than $2 million worth of business that this annual event generates for its host.

Earl G. Graves Sr., chairman and publisher of BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine, decided to keep our big-ticket event away as a clear message to that state and its then-Governor Pete Wilson that California's assault on affirmative action would not come without a price.

Six years later, despite the state's repeal of affirmative action policies under Proposition 209, the management team at Earl G. Graves Ltd., the parent company of BE, believes they will open the door to new business opportunities in California for company subscribers and advertisers. In essence, as a magazine, BE is building relationships across party lines to continue creating a path to success for today's business professionals. There is a new gubernatorial administration in California, and the Los Angeles Mayor won his election with major support from the black community. Also, Herb Wesson Jr. was elected unanimously as the 65th speaker of the California State Assembly, making Wesson the second African American in state history to win the powerful office. All of this contributed to a change in climate. As a result, this year's ninth annual Black Enterprise/Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge is heading west to the La Quinta Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, California.

John C. Graves, president of Black Enterprise Unlimited and executive director of this event, explains the move. "First and foremost, BLACK ENTERPRISE considers itself the strongest advocate for affirmative action policies in the nation. However, we also realize that regardless of individual state policies, African Americans in business must continue to grow and develop their enterprises. In 1996 the political climate in California was unfriendly to African American business professionals. But since then, the tenor from the governor's mansion has changed. We have found that the administration, under current California Gov. Gray Davis, is open to dialogue about our concerns and those [concerns] of our readers--something that was never an option in the past. We are confident that the move will only open doors."

There are three other important factors for moving the G&T Challenge to California. BE'S circulation department discovered that California was the largest individual subscriber state. BE'S advertising department noticed that an increasing number of businesses, particularly technology companies like the Hewlett-Packard Co., from California are advertising with the company. And collectively, BE believes that hosting our event in the Great Bear State will give us access to entrepreneurs in industries indigenous to this area. (Besides, California has the largest concentration of celebrities outside of New York City.)

BE has increasingly covered the black business communities from California. In our March 2002 issue, we held a technology roundtable in Oakland, California, featuring Kim Folsom, CEO of Seminar-Source; Ron Cadet, co-founder and CEO of Bayview Systems; Stephan Adams, founder of Adamation; and Juanita Lott, CEO of Bridgestream.

"Without a doubt," Johnny Graves says, "it also gives us the chance to identify the business challenges and opportunities for African Americans throughout the state, which helps us carry out the mission of our company."

The luxurious La Quinta Resort & Spa is located in the golf capital of the world. The 75-year-old resort also has a history of catering to business executives, celebrities, political dignitaries, and sports stars. La Quinta can accommodate a large number of people. Enjoy 72 holes of golf, play on 23 tennis courts, and enjoy a 23,000 square-foot spa with 36 treatment rooms. Next year the G&T Challenge will return to Miami's Doral Resort and Country Club in an effort to create a bicoastal presence. KSL Management, which owns both Doral and La Quinta, promises to work with us to make the arrangements smooth and seamless.

BE is reaffirming its commitment to find opportunities for blacks and developing relationships so black entrepreneurs can increase their businesses.

Adds Johnny Graves, "The relationship with Florida has been extended because Black Enterprise Unlimited also recognizes the role we play in pushing for change and finding solutions that will be inclusive of minority business. The solution includes building relationships across party lines to continue opening doors for business professionals. Having the event in California and Florida is part of the relationship-building process that allows us to get to know the players in the state who have clout in the corridors of government and, in turn, use our influence to bring about change.

"Besides having fun, the atmosphere of the occasion fosters a variety of business relationships. The key to this will be the number of contacts on the West Coast that attendees will now be able to network with. What is important with an event of this caliber is that Black Enterprise Unlimited, the sponsors, and the participants discover new opportunities in various regions of the country, regardless of a state's position on issues affecting African Americans."