INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Black Expo, Inc. announced today that Mayor Joe Hogsett and Governor Eric Holcomb will provide keynote addresses as part of its annual Minority Business Series. In April, Indiana Black Expo announced its plans to cancel its large fundraisers Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic due to COVID-19 and its expansion of its 2020 initiatives. IBE’s 2-day Business Conference has been expanded to an annual business series to focus on helping businesses survive and grow during this global pandemic.
“The Black community has been hit harder as a result of COVID-19 and we are excited to have Mayor Hogsett and Governor Holcomb join us as part of our Minority Business Series and share their vision and initiatives designed to assist and support minority businesses and underrepresented communities during these challenging times,” said IBE President & CEO Tanya Mckinzie.
August 3: Mayor Hogsett’s Address and Moving Beyond Diversity to Racial Equity in the Workplace Panel
On Monday, August 3rd from 9:30 until 11:15 AM, Mayor Joe Hogsett will speak about the city’s commitment to supplier diversity and opportunities for small minority and women-owned businesses. The address will take place before the Moving Beyond Diversity to Racial Equity in the Workplace panel discussion moderated by Angela Smith Jones, Deputy Mayor of Economic Development for the City of Indianapolis with panelists Mario Rodriguez, Executive Director of Indianapolis Airport Authority, Karin Sarratt, Executive Vice President of OneAmerica, Pam Hoppel, VP of Retail for Delta Faucet and Lisa Gutierrez, Vice President & Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer of IU Health. Panelists will address the steps their companies are taking to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. To register for the Mayor’s Address and Workforce Diversity & Inclusion panel, click here: https://www.indianablackexpo.com/programs/workforce-racial-equity/
August 4: Governor Eric Holcomb’s Address
On Tuesday, August 4th at 2:00 PM, Governor Holcomb will address how Indiana is helping small minority businesses and individuals get back to work and connected to resources in the midst of economic and individual recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Holcomb will share the state’s Small Business Restart Grant, Rapid Recovery for a Better Future initiative, including the state’s workforce ready grants and Skill Up initiative. Commissioner Fred Payne with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development will be available for Q&A following the Governor’s Address that will be moderated by Attorney Abdul-Hakim Shabazz. To register for the Governor’s Address, click here: https://www.indianablackexpo.com/programs/indiana-rapid-recovery-initiatives/
About Indiana Black Expo, Inc.
Indiana Black Expo, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) statewide organization with 12 chapter affiliates. The mission of IBE is to serve as a voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. IBE provides year-round initiatives, including its annual Education Conference, Minority Business Series, Employment Opportunity Fairs, IBX Series, Scholarship Fund, State of Our Black Youth Report and Initiative, Statewide Anti-Tobacco Initiative, Performing Arts Academy, Youth Leadership Summit, and Real Talk Teen Forum.
