Unlimited options: Black Enterprise launches a new division to serve the professional and personal needs of B.E. readers.

BLACK ENTERPRISE launches a new division to serve the professional and personal needs of B.E. readers

To coincide with the new year, Earl G. Graves, Publisher and CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine, announced the formation of Black Enterprise Unlimited, a new division of Earl G. Graves, Ltd. The mission of B.E. Unlimited is to create products and services that address the business, financial and lifestyle needs of the magazine's subscribers. The 3.1 million monthly readers of B.E. have long looked to the magazine for advice on careers, investments, technology, consumer products and enterpreneurship, just to name a few areas. Now the company will provide the tools that can empower its readership to employ the vast information in the pages of B.E.

Many of B.E. Unlimited's early products predated the creation of this new division. Indeed, the B.E./NationsBank Entrepreurs Conference, Kidpreneurs and the B.E./Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge have each been around for at least two years. And the B.E. 100s Initiative and B.E. Newsletters were both launched in the last year. However, Mr. Graves saw a need to formalize the process by which new elements of the division would be developed. "While we have enjoyed a great deal of success in creating individual products and services for our readers over the past several years, I wanted the company to develop a mission statement and business plan that would ensure a consistency of quaky and intent as we address the needs of African American business people well into the next century. Through this new entity, I believe that we will do just that."

Heading this new division is John C. Graves, Senior Vice President of Black Enterprise Unlimited. In addition to being General Counsel for Earl G. Graves, Ltd., John has actually been working on new product development since he joined the company. He certainly shares the Publisher's enthusiasm for the future. "In the past five years we have created a number of properties which have been very well-received by our audience. Through these successes, we recognized that we needed to be able to more quickly develop products and services that would allow us to keep up with the continued demands of our readers. B.E. Unlimited is the tool through which we will meet - and exceed - those demands." In pursuit of this goal, the division has more than doubled its staff in recent months. The various managers and coordinators who form B.E. Unlimited's brain trust bring a diversity of experience and perspective to the company.

Although many of B.E. Unlimited's efforts will focus on traditional business services, don't be surprised to see the division branch out into a number of new directions in the coming years. "B.E. enjoys a unique relationship with the upscale African American community," states Patricia Ann Crocker, Director of Product Development & Strategic Planning for B.E. Unlimited. "For too long this market has been under-served in terms of recreational, social and general lifestyle choices. We intend to help fill that void." Events such as the Golf & Tennis Challenge, and the newly-announced Ski Challenge, provide the readers of B.E. with the opportunity to pursue some of their favorite hobbies while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow achievers.

As for the future, Mr. Graves has put no limits on the business opportunities that the division may pursue. To keep readers abreast of all new developments of B.E. Unlimited, B.E. will introduce Unlimited Options, an ongoing reader service page in the magazine. Starting in the February, 1998 issue, Unlimited Options will chronicle the latest products and event developments that will enhance the professional and personal life of Be readers.

Earl Graves mandate to the B.E. Unlimited staff is the same as it has always been for the magazine: To produce the best possible product that will serve the needs of the African American community. BLACK ENTERPRISE readers deserve nothing less.

RELATED ARTICLE: ENTREPRENEURS CONFERENCE

After years of hosting various types of seminars and conferences targeted to business owners, B.E. launched the Black Enterprise/NationsBank Entrepreneurs Conference in 1996 at Walt Disney World Resort. In only two years. the event has become the most important gathering of African American entrepreneurs in the country. More than 1,000 attendees gather in Orlando for four days of seminars, networking and the sharing of ideas.

Each year the Entrepreneurs Conference focuses on a different aspect of business ownership. In 1997, for example, the theme was Entrepreneurial Strategies for the 21st Century. To kick-off each conference, Black Enterprise Publisher and CEO Earl Graves sets the tone for event by providing an understanding of the latest challenges that black business owners will have to overcome in the year ahead. The various conference sessions address topics such as technology, opportunities in international business, creating joint ventures and strategic alliances, and securing capital. Also, by popular demand, the event includes a Sister CEO session targeting women entrepreneurs. In order to provide attendees with a broad mix of expert information, B.E. enlists speakers as diverse as Ed Dugger, President and CEO of UNC Ventures, Inc., a venture capital firm, Michele Hoskins, Founder and President of Michele Foods, a manufacturer of specialty foods, Bob Johnson, Chairman and CEO of BET Holdings, Inc., and the noted motivational speaker and author, Les Brown. In addition, the award-winning editors and writers of BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine serve as moderators throughout the Conference.

In addition to the information-packed sessions, the Entrepreneurs Conference provides attendees with the perfect backdrop to do business as well. Whether it is the stellar list of sponsors headlined by NationsBank, the many companies who participate in The Exchange: Business-to-Business Expo, the CEOs of the B.E. 100s companies, or the small business owners in attendance, the opportunities to conduct business at the Entrepreneurs Conference are truly unparalleled. And when its time to network in a more relaxed environment, the attendees enjoy activities such as the Entrepreneurs Golf Outing, the various attractions of Walt Disney World Resort, and the numerous hospitalities hosted by the conference sponsors.

Culminating the event is the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Awards Gala. Each year B.E. recognizes the Small Businesses of the Year. as well as the B.E. 100s Companies of the Year during this inspirational evening.

Attendees of the Conference have been very enthusiastic in their support. However, they have expressed an interest in products and services that will assist in the day-to-day management of their businesses. In response, Sherry Browne, the Program Coordinator of the Entrepreneurs Conference, says that entrepreneurs can look forward to a host of business tools targeted to their particular needs. In this way, the magazine will continue to encourage the growth of African American business ownership for generations to come. For more information about the Black Enterprise/ NationsBank Entrepreneurs Conference, please contact B.E. at 1-X00-543-786.

RELATED ARTICLE: KIDPRENEURS KONFERENCE

The Kidpreneurs Program is Black Enterprise's/ entree into creating educational products for the children of our audience. In keeping with its role as the foremost provider of information to the African American community, B.E. began this effort at the 1996 Black Enterprise/NationsBank Entrepreneurs Conference. During its two-year run at the event, the Kidpreneurs Konference has established a benchmark of excellence in teaching children from ages 3 to 17 the rudiments of entrepreneurship. Following the motto, "Teaching Kids to Think Big While Their Still Small," the program instructs children in basic concepts such as cash flow, building a business plan, marketing and customer service.

The youngest children vote for corporate officers, "manufacture" products and then sell their products to the adult attendees of the Entrepreneurs Conference at a Kidpreneurs Mart. The mid-level age groups learn more about the specifics of forming a company, including businesses that they can start while they are still in school. They also experience business networking firsthand by participating in the Kidpreneurs Golf Outing, a miniature golf tournament held on the grounds at Walt Disney World. For the oldest kids, the Teenpreneurs, the event includes a hands-on component. For example, in 1997, Teenpreneurs received training in running a franchise at a Wendy's fast-food restaurant near the event sight. In addition, these young adults hear lectures from noted entrepreneurs such as Karl Kani, the Chief Executive Officer of the 1995 Black Enterprise Company of the Year. The Konference culminates in a graduation ceremony for all of the children.

The program for the Kidpreneurs Konference was created under the supervision of noted education expert, Dr. James P. Comer, The Maurice Falk Professor of Child Psychiatry, ar the Yale Child Study Center. Dr. Comer has been instrumental in shaping elements of the program to ensure that the event v. ill achieve long-lasting impact. In keeping with this objective, Kidpreneurs is the only program that includes an interactive session targeting parents with the specific goal of making [he entrepreneurial spirit an integral part of life at home. The curriculum for the Kidpreneurs Konference was created in cooperation with the Education, Training & Enterprise Center ("EDTEC"), an African American-owned company specializing in educational products and management consulting/training. By incorporating portions of EDTEC's New Youth Entrepreneur training curricula in[o its program, B.E. was able to provide the attendees of the Kidpreneurs Konference with a well-rounded introduction into the world of business ownership.

Beyond the Kidpreneurs Konference, B.E. has a number of new educational products on the drawing board for children. Melvin Crenshaw, Program Manager of Kidpreneurs, promises that over the next few years the B.E. audience can look forward to products as diverse as books, software, comics and maybe even Kidpreneurs Kamps. For more information on Kidpreneurs, please contact B.E. at (212) 88G-9558.

RELATED ARTICLE: B.E. 100s STRATEGIC SUMMIT

As a part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the B.E. 100s in June 1997, BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine announced the formation of the B.E. 100s Initiative. The purpose of this effort is to create a service for the largest black-owned businesses which will help to facilitate new business opportunities among the B.E. 100s companies, as well as between the B.E. 100s and Fortune 500 companies.

This new program was formally inaugurated during the Black Enterprise/ NationsBank Entrepreneurs Conference as the centerpiece of the first annual B.E. 100s Strategic Summit. At this initial Summit, CEOs and key executives from many of the B.E. 100s companies convened to discuss business opportunities, broker deals, analyze economic trends and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow entrepreneurs. One of the most important elements of the gathering was the roundtable discussions among these corporate leaders which helped to set the agenda for the overall B.E. 1 00s Initiative for years to come.

A new byproduct of the Initiative will be the B.E. 100s Corporate Capabilities Directory. The Directory, which is available exclusively to the leaders of the nation's largest African American-owned businesses, is an in-depth extension of the annual B.E. 100s List which appears each June in BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine. Renee Best, Executive Director of the B.E. 100s Initiative, says that this resource will feature a profile of each B.E. 100s company, including a summary of the type of business, major products and services, key executives and responsibilities, and company highlights. Through this important business tool, B.E. hopes to encourage the types of partnerships, joint ventures and other strategic alliances that are so prevalent in corporate America today.

In response to feedback from member CEOs, many other elements of the Initiative will be developed over the next several years. While the interests of the various industries represented by these companies may differ, they all share one common bond - the desire to capitalize on the collective strengths of the B.E. 100s.

RELATED ARTICLE: GOLF & TENNIS CHALLENGE

Understanding that "Not All Powerplays Occur in the Boardroom," B.E. established the Black Enterprise/Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge in 1994. From that auspicious beginning, the Golf & Tennis Challenge has become, quite simply, the premier business/networking event in the African American community. Playing host to more than 1,300 participants during the Labor Day weekend at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami, the Golf & Tennis Challenge affords a unique opportunity for corporate executives, entrepreneurs and professionals to meet in a more relaxed setting. The golf course and tennis court have long served as venues for relationship building for many successful business. However, this event offers attendees four packages from which to choose. In addition to golf and tennis, participants may register for the spa or guest package.

Although the name of the Golf & Tennis Challenge is derived from its daytime activities, it is its spectacular theme evenings that truly set the event apart. Each night the tournament staff transforms the nighttime venue into a fantasy. One evening may be a Caribbean festival, the next night a Jazz concert, or maybe a Las Vegas Casino. In 1997, our guests loved such new ideas as the "Groovin" to the Sixties" welcome reception and the Cigar Smoker.

In addition to the regular attendees, each year the Golf & Tennis Challenge plays hosts to a number of celebrities from the worlds of sports, entertainment and politics. In particular, honored guest have included golf legends Charlie Sifford and Lee Elder, as well as rising tennis phenom Venus Williams who have lead instructional clinics. Its connection with these highly influential and talented individuals has made the Golf & Tennis Challenge a must-attend event.

In 1998, B.E. will mark the 5th anniversary of the Golf & Tennis Challenge. To coincide with this milestone, Andrea Delph, Program Coordinator of the B.E. Challenge, and the B.E. Unlimited team are working on a number of special projects for the event. However, because of the very high percentage of repeat attendees, getting into the tournament has become quite difficult. To serve the many readers of the magazine who enjoy both golf and tennis but have been unable to attend the Challenge, B.E. will launch other new products over the next several years. For more information on the Black Enterprise Golf & Tennis Challenge, please call 1 -800-209-7229.

RELATED ARTICLE: SKI CHALLENGE

There is a new B.E. Challenge on the horizon. In January, 1999, during the Martin Luther King Holiday Weekend, B.E. will host the first annual Black Enterprise Ski Challenge at Vail's Keystone Resort in Keystone, Colorado. The Ski Challenge will build on the successes of the Golf & Tennis Challenge and the Entrepreneurs Conference by combining the best elements of each event. From the Golf & Tennis Challenge, the Ski Challenge will borrow the philosophy of conducting business away from the office in a more relaxed environment. However, attendees can also expect morning business seminars and presentations similar to those that they enjoy at the Entrepreneurs Conference.

In launching the Ski Challenge, B.E. hopes to reach more of its Western and Southwestern subscribers. Because its other two events are based in Florida, B.E. purposefully looked to the West for a venue for this outing. However, as with all of its conferences, BLACK ENTERPRISE expects a representative sampling of its entire audience.

In addition to Keystone, attendees of the Ski Challenge will enjoy the skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge, all as a part of their registration. Furthermore, because skiing is the ultimate family sport, we will have specific programs targeted to the children of attendees. Other activities at the event include a full slate of evening functions created to take advantage of the broad range of facilities owned by Vail Resorts, which will serve not only as the host, but as one of the event sponsors as well.

In addition to her duties with the Golf & Tennis Challenge, Andrea Delph will also serve as the Program Coordinator for the Ski Challenge. Currently, she is planning to start registration for the Ski Challenge in September, 1998. Additional information on the Black Enterprise Ski Challenge will be available in the Summer of 1998. To be placed on the mailing list for the Ski Challenge, please contact B.E. at 1-800-209-7229.

RELATED ARTICLE: NEWSLETTERS

Over the past two years, Earl G. Graves Publishing Company has launched no fewer than four newsletters: The Exchange, KidpreneursNews, B.E. 100s Exclusive, and B.E Challenge Update. According to Dorett Smith. Senior Editor - Newsletters, each of these titles furnishes more in-depth information on a particular topic than is normally covered in the pages of B.E. This information is vital to the subscribers of each newsletter.

THE EXCHANGE

The Exchange, a business tool for African American entrepreneurs, selves the needs of all African American business owners. Its editorial offers advice on marketing, accounting, technology, strategic planning, customer service, estate planning and networking, to name a few. Additionally, The Exchange details the latest products and services that are available from the sponsors of the Black Enterprise/NationsBank Entrepreneurs Conference. While the newsletter is currently available only individuals on the Conference mailing list, B.E. plans to make The Exchange available by subscription in late 1998. To be placed on the Conference mailing list, please contact B.E. at 1-800-543-6786.

KIDPRENEURSNEWS

The children who attend the Kidpreneurs Konference each year leave the event with a great sense of accomplishment and purpose. In an effort to maintain this growth, B.E. began publishing KidpreneursNews in 1996. Expanding upon the Kidpreneurs motto, "Teaching Children to Think Big While They're Still Small," Kidpreneursnews seeks to foster an entrepreneurial spirit in children that will last a lifetime. Through articles, games cartoons and contests, the periodical further develops each child's understanding of the rudiments of business ownership. To date the publication has been available only to Kidpreneur Konference participants. However, as with The Exchange, KidpreneursNews will be available by subscription in late 1998. If you are interested in having your child attend the Kidpreneurs Konference, please contact B.E. at 1-800-543-6786.

B.E. 100S EXCLUSIVE

The B.E. 100s Exclusive is nothing short of a lifeline between the B.E. 100s companies. Each issue provides essential business information to the owners of the nation's largest African American owned businesses. The quarterly newsletter regularly includes a profile of a B.E. 100s CEO, information on the latest deals and ventures by the member companies, as well as vital financial and legal advice that will enable these companies to continue to soar into the twenty-first century. The B.E. 100s Exclusive also gives CEOs a unique vehicle through which they may maximize the services of the B.E. 100s Initiative by staying in touch with both BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine and their fellow business owners. The B.E. 100s Exclusive is available only to key executives of the B.E.100s companies.

B.E. CHALLENGE UPDATE

The Black Enterprise/Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge has enjoyed remarkable loyalty from registrants since its inception in 1994. In that first year, B.E. created a daily newsletter to keep attendees informed of scores, highlights and activities during the event. But the audience wanted more. They wanted to hear about the latest Golf & Tennis Challenge developments as they happened. So in 1996, B.E. began the quarterly B.E. Challenge Update. The publication has been a tremendous hit with "B.E. Challengers." They enjoy reading about their fellow attendees during the year which somehow makes the next event seem just a little bit closer.

With the launch of the Black Enterprise Ski Challenge in 1999, the B.E. Challenge update will soon pull double duty. Beginning this year, the latest news about the planning of the first Ski Challenge will also be covered in the pages of the Update.