Making small businesses bigger & better.

A new venue--an old friend. These were he sentiments of the attendees at the sixth annual BlackEnterprise/Bank of America Entrepreneurs Conference, held this past May at the Opryland Hotel, in Nashville, Tennessee. While the location of the event has changed, the results definitely have not! Even with the changing economy, we'll introduce you to entrepreneurs of large and small businesses who continue to lead the way to prosperity--those who persist at innovating, transforming, and growing their enterprises. This year's BLACK ENTERPRISE Small Business Award winners have carved out successful niches, surpassed the competition, and proven themselves as business leaders in their respective fields.

Our special report will look at a year in the life of gym owner Wahday Washington (along with partner Tony Wilson) and the risks they took of buying, developing, and sustaining a presence in such a competitive market. And if you haven't made the switch to incorporating new technology into your work environment, we'll show you examples of why you should and explain how to find what's best for your firm. As is customary throughout the year, BE will offer advice on buying stocks and mutual funds at reasonable costs and explore online investing.

Watch for your copy in the mail or pick up a copy at your nearest newsstand, but whatever you do, don't miss the November 2001 issue.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY IDEA?

Many of our best story ideas come from you, the readers of BLACK ENTERPRISE. We want you to keep telling us what you need to see in the magazine to help you launch and grow your business, advance your career, and build personal wealth. Help us set the agenda. Send your ideas and suggestions to the following editors at BLACK ENTERPRISE, 130 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10011 1-4399; fax: [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail].

BUSINESS/ECONOMIC NEWS:
 Newspoints c/o Sakina P. Spruell; e-mail:
 [e-mail]

BUSINESS OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT:
 Enterprise c/o Paula McCoy-Pinderhughes; e-mail:
 [e-mail]

CAREERS/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
 Powerplay c/o Robyn D. Clarke; e-mail:
 [e-mail]

CONSUMER & PERSONAL AFFAIRS:
 Shopsmart & Lifestyle c/o Monique R. Brown; e-mail:
 [e-mail]

INSPIRATION:
 Motivation c/o Robyn D. Clarke; e-mail:
 [e-mail]

PERSONAL FINANCE/INVESTING:
 Moneywise c/o Matthew S, Scott; e-mail:
 [e-mail]

TECHNOLOGY:
 Techwatch c/o Sonya A. Donaldson; e-mail:
 [e-mail]

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Include your name, address, and daytime phone number for confirmation. We reserve the right to edit correspondence for clarity and space. Write to: Letters, BLACK ENTERPRISE, 130 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10011-4399; fax: [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail].

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REPRINTS

To order reprints (minimum quantity for B&W is 100) of any BE article, call Beth Malloy at 717-399-1900, ext. 123. E-mail: [e-mail]

B.E.'s LIST OF TOP COMPANIES

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