Expo 2006: This is big, really big!

This is sooooooooo big, we couldn't wait to tell you: Can't see images? Visit http://www.expoupdate.blogspot.com

The 2006 L.A. Black Business Expo (BBX) is New and Improved!

Release of Expo 2006: New And Improved!
by Harold Hambrick, President and Myra Wallace, Expo Director

We heard you, Expo sponsors and exhibitors, and we want you to know we have responded. For the past few years, as our West Coast Black Music Festival (a part of the Expo)has grown, so has the noise level on the floor. On the floor, we have had exhibitors blast music, karaoke, TV's, and even live performances. That's normally great marketing, but for the purposes of conducting business, it is inhibiting. Many of you have complained that you can't even hear yourself think. Add to that overhead announcements and the Entertainment Stage and by day two that makes for some surly entrepreneurs.

For that reason, we have taken into account your suggestions. These are changes you will see for 2006:

1.) We will maintain our low prices as we have done for years, for both exhibitors and attendees. Right now the $100 discount is in effect until May 31 for those of you who plan ahead. If you had been exhibiting at the Expo for the past 5 years, you would have saved $500! Go ahead, decide today to participate.

2.) We have dealt with the noise problem on the floor:

We will rearrange the entertainment schedules so that they are not as overpowering. Expect details next month. We will schedule overhead announcements to allow lapses of silence in between announcements.

• We will ask our radio stations to follow the lead of KJLH and conduct onsite interviews which are considerably quieter.
• All businesses that feel they need audio, like DJ services and Karaoke vendors, will be asked to provide head sets for patrons to enjoy their talents.

3.) We have announced that our new theme is Business: It's A Family Affair. Joining us this year (to round out the family) we are proud to announce Malik Yoba, actor and businessman, will be joining Wendy Raquel Robinson, actress and business woman. And Malik, who has authored a book will be speaking at our Youth Summit this year.





4.) We have selected THOSE PLUMBERS of LR Services Plumbing. The Redway Brothers for our ad campaign this year. Pictured at left: Owen, Leonard and Andrew. They represent our theme Business: It's a Family Affair, for they are the latest in the line of 6 generations of plumbers. Need a plumber? Visit: http://www.lrservicesplumbing.com/

5.) Last but not least, we are bringing back the Faith Pavilion in a big way. In fact we are looking for someone to coordinate that Pavilion so that the churches and other religious institutions can return to the Expo. Call (323) 290-4743 for position details.

We met with those sponsors and exhibitors who stepped forward to voice their concerns, and we listened.

We know we have something big here. We are improving our business, so the entire Expo can be "New and Improved."
____________________________________________________________________
Wow, thanks Harold and Myra!
That is great news! OK, so please keep reading, there is a lot more to tell you!

WHAT'S COMING UP: (There will be more on Expo Update in days to come!)

This Saturday, May 13:
KJLH Women's Health Forum: Jacquie Stephens and the women (and men) at KJLH FM work very hard to stage this free health forum at Hollywood Park every year. Doors open at 7 AM, event closes at 2 PM, Hollywood Park Entertainment Center (Prairie and Century in Inglewood.) Over 1000 women attend and take classes (I'm excited about the Rites of Passage Class, so bring your daughters!) Other classes include Yoga, classes on health issues, and there will be plenty of free health screenings. Come dressed to stretch! Details: www.kjlhradio.com

May 14:
Happy Mother's Day! Support the Expo businesses that offer a wide array of products and services. There are Black owned restaurants, florists, candy makers, body spas, and designers for her new wardrobe. I could go on but you get the gist: Visit Black Business Expo Exhibitors. The 2007 list is posted at Expo time.

Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival presents:"MELODIES IN MOTION" - The Second Annual Mother's Day Cabaret May 14 at 3 pm. Bring Mom to this special LAWTF fundraiser/musical cabaret which returns to the Madrid. Featuring some of the most outstanding female vocal talent in Los Angeles, accompanied by musicians of international reputation, the program promises to be a club-hoppin' musical journey, with songs ranging from country to jazz to toe-tapping rhythm and blues. We promise that your mother won't nag you for at least two hours!TICKETS: $30. Phil Upchurch and Sonya Maddox, who appeared at the 2005 Expo, will be performing.


May 19
Malcolm X's Birthday

May 20 and 21
Malcolm X Festival, Grounds of Audubon Middle School, King Blvd. in Los Angeles
Listen to L.A. Speaks Out the morning of the 20th and hear Torre Reese, event cofounder, and Dr. David Horne bring you up to date about what's in store for this year's festival.

In June, Denise Estelle, Expo Sales Executive, has announced her fifth annual Honor Thy Father event. In fact, she will beon that same program to tell you all about it. Why not nominate your father, husband, brother or son? If he is a good father, he should be honored! Here are the details:

The 5th Annual
"Honor Thy Father" Awards Dinner Ceremony

One of the least recognized though most important groups in our community are our fathers. Too often, we are exposed to the negative images of Black males, which in many cases overshadows the good that many Black men do.

Estelle & Associates, KIA & Associates and CORE-California are on a mission to honor good men in our community. The 5th Annual Honor Thy Father Awards Dinner is a very special awards dinner ceremony that allows the average family the opportunity to honor their father, husband, brother, uncle or male mentor on this Fathers Day, June 18, 2006 in grand style.

Our fathers provide strength, wisdom and leadership. This event is the first of it's kind to give recognition to those men who are committed to family and community. Most of the men are being publicly acknowledge for the very first time. For some this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

This is a "must attend" event. The spirit will be moving as we hear the untold stories of of the men that are making a difference. For information you may contact: Estelle for Humanity at (323) 281-0766 or KIA and Associates at (310)769-5698. Email:estelleforhumanity@yahoo.com, Website:http://www.honorthyfather.org/
Sponsorship and Exhibitor space available.

Our Expo spokesperson, Wendy Raquel Robinson's school, Amazing Grace Conservatory is performing in Guys And Dolls beginning May 13. For details visit http://www.amazinggraceconservatory.org/

Til June 3: Leroy Hamilton, photographer of the expo images you see on this page, has a photo exhibit with artist Synthia St. James, going on at expo exhibitor Dipped in Chocolate's 626 Gallery in downtown Los Angeles. Details.

And turn around and summer's almost here. Why not sign the children up for Dr. Kwaku's Black History 4 Young People beginning June 17 at View Park Prep? Click here for details.

Posted on ExpoUpdate

We have some EXCELLENT articles in this issue from our associate editor and photojournalist Stan Thomas. He gets around:
First, his story titled: Si, Se Puede Means Fewer Opportunities for Blacks
Story and eyewitness photos by: Stan Thomas . Yes, he found himself right in the thick of things on the recent Day of Absence by Immigrants.

Stan Thomas also wrote about his evening with Colin Powell, President Bill Clinton and an evening with the Paul Ruseabagina, from Hotel Rwanda.

CYBERSTYLE by Michael T. Kilgore is back with a SPECIAL REPORT: THE LAUNCHING OF A.A.D. - ATHLETIC ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT, HONORING AN AFRICAN - AMERICAN FASHION DESIGN ICON Check it out!

In coming issues of Expo TV, we will bring you a video interview depth look at our featured business LRServices Plumbing, or the THE PLUMBERS! The Redway Brothers, Leonard, Andrew and Owen.

KEEP WATCH FOR: Urban Idol Preliminaries to begin early July

WANTED: Designers for the next West Coast Fashion Show. This year's theme: "Fashion to the Tenth Power" Contact: Myra Wallace at (323) 290-4743.

The Theme for the 2006 Hair Show is: "Hair Explosion 2006" Stay tuned for details on the MODEL CALL for HAIR which will be held Mid-July.

ExpoUpdate Subscription Drive
We know we have a lot to offer and we want as many people who attend the Expo to be on our mailing list. Today's attendees are often tomorrow's exhibitors.

Please tell a friend to sign up to be on the mailig list for BBX 2006 at www.expoupdate.com Thank you!

Media Sponsors, please consider running out initial release so that our businesses may begin relationship with you. Email isidra@prperson.com for hi res photos and release.

A special thanks to the team behind the photoshoot held last Sunday: It was held at the home of our Graphic Designer, Rene Cross Washington with photos by Leroy Hamilton. From left: Desiree Edwards, Watts Coffee House who catered the event, Bo, who cut Malik's Hair, Yvette McNally, who represents The Redway Brothers (Those Plumbers!) Myra Wallace, expo director, Leonard Redway, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Malik Yoba, Karen Dick, hair stylist, Harold Hambrick, Expo President, in front of Harold is me, Isidra Person-Lynn, Media Director, to my right is Rene Cross Washington, Owen redway, Markiel, Makeup artist, Andrew Redway and seated in front of him is Le Chemise designer Lisa Guillory. Ms Robinson is wearing Le Chemise. We thank everyone for a wonderful time. These are just a few of the many you will be meeting in the months leading up to Expo 2006.

Isidra Person-Lynn
Editor, Expo Update
Media DirectorBBCBX

Stay tuned to www.expoupdate.com and www.blackbusinessexpo.com for the latest.