By: Lillian Armstead
This year the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo (BEEC) will feature Bishop T.D. Jakes as the headliner at the Black Enterprise Small Business Award Luncheon. Bishop Jakes will also hold a book signing for his upcoming book: ‘Unleashing Your Natural Drive for Ultimate Success.’ Bishop Jakes is the senior pastor at the Potters House in Texas, as well as a prominent businessman. He is renowned for his power packed sermons.
This year’s BEEC is scheduled for three days in Columbus, South Carolina in a convenient downtown location which allows conference attendees access to restaurants, theatres, shopping, and historical centers. Since its inception, the conference has been a success in bringing together like minded entrepreneurs with pioneering business ideas. Cutting edge technology and networking are also highlights of the conference. Over 1,200 individuals attend the conference each year.
Nationwide Insurance who shares the same vision as Black Enterprise in building up minority businesses will sponsor the conference this year. Chief Marketing Officer of Nationwide, Matt Jauchius said, “We are pleased to work with Black Enterprise and the City of Columbus to bring this exciting event to our hometown for the second consecutive year. I am confident that participants will have a great experience, and will walk away with valuable resources and networks to support their continued business endeavors.”
The leaders of BEEC also expressed their gratitude and excitement about the conference location, planned events, and partnership with Nationwide and other sponsors. All parties expect the conference to be as successful as it was last year.
Mayor Michael B. Coleman said, “Columbus is proud to welcome the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference to our thriving city for the second consecutive year. Once again we’re looking forward to sharing our community’s greatest assets including restaurants, shops, and nightlife throughout the city with conference attendees and visitors.”
