BlueLinx Corporation’s Post

This week, former CEO of the Black Business Council in the Built Environment (BBCBE) and current Vice President of the Black Business Council, Mr Gregory Mofokeng joins Ms Kululwa Muthwa in studio to discuss all things property 🏢 One key take away is whether government is doing enough to support businesses within the space or there is more we need to do before we reach our targets 🎯 Make sure to tune in tomorrow as we dive deeper into the property landscape and how we can contribute in levelling the playing field 🎚️ #property #saibpp #propertymarket #transformation #levellingtheplayingfield

Congratulations and thank you to Tina Royal for agreeing to be featured in this month's Alumni Spotlight. Name: Tina Royal Position: Director, Black Butterfly Network What county do you live in? Davidson Leadership Class: REDI 2023 What has been the impact of REDI on your leadership journey since completing the training, personally and professionally? Encouragement and given me the security to work toward community collaborations and work to bring organizations together on projects to avoid duplication of programs and events. I filed to run for NC Senate District 30 and will be a candidate for the November 2024 elections. What recent accomplishments, projects, initiatives, or points of pride would you like to share? Our organization hosted the first Black History Month Art Invitational, a new artists exhibition. We had eight new artists showcase their art and speak with community attendees. Some of our artists had buyers purchase their first one-of-a-kind artwork. This was a wonderful event, and I am so proud of the outcome. What are the greatest assets in your rural community or region? Our value system assuring that citizens feel like they belong, supporting one another and working toward a better community. I believe those assets will help keep our community striving and thriving and working together to bring more folks together. What are the most significant economic development challenges facing your rural community or region today? Lack of affordable housing open to accepting subsidized housing vouchers and a lack of rental homes for Section 8 recipients. Our community needs more entrepreneurship/small business growth and programs. We need these programs to be visible and easy for interested people to find and learn more about. I also feel we are in need for more local economic development. What advice would you offer to current or emerging leaders in rural areas? Work to bring more collaboration in your rural and smaller communities. Try to pull organizations together to work smarter not harder to provide various opportunities for the community.

Have you ever considered, or been recruited for board membership? What do you look for when making a decision? How do you determine alignment? Ron Kirk, former Dallas Mayor and former Texas Secretary of State, has some simple, but good advice. #boardmembership

We bring to the NSBWEP platform, Mr. Ron Busby, President & CEO of US Black Chamber of Commerce. Ron’s mission and platform is to bring attention to the economic development of Black business owners, and financial resources for sustainability. Ron is here to help us understand the significance, the power, the challenges, and rewards of owning a business. ECONOMIC IMPACT OF BLACK BUSINESS OWNERSHIP🌟 VIRTUAL WEBINAR | OCTOBER 30TH | 12 NOON EST LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 🔸️Understanding the Numbers (Statistics) 🔸️The Power of the Black Dollar 🔸️Expanding access to Capital 🔸️Importance of Education & Resources 🔸️Fostering Community Support & Empowerment 🔸️Breaking down Systemic Barriers 🔸️The Outlook/Future of Black-Owned Businesses ABOUT OUR SPEAKER: As President/CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), Ron Busby, Sr. brings business management skills as well as a lifetime of community development experience to the organization. Mr. Busby is a former successful business owner himself, and he has been recognized as one of the nation’s best CEOs. @usblackchambers Ron grew his first company, USA Superclean, from $150,000 annualized revenue, to over $15 million in only 10 years. Learn More + Register: https://lnkd.in/gP798Cvm Our Motto: “We have become the change we want to be”⁠ ⁠ #NSBWEP⁠ #usblackchambers #ronbusby #blackbusiness #BlackWeddingProfessionals #BlackEventProfessionals ⁠ #weddingassociation #eventassociation

Jeff Hawkins, CPA is crushing it with thoughtful questions for the “Mastering the Art of M&A” Panel at Atlanta Dealmakers Conference. Words of wisdom from Sara Burden, CBI, MAMI, CMAP, FIBBA, FMAS, Michael Lonergan, Drew Miller, Peter Mangal: - Deals age like milk, not wine. - There’s been a dramatic increase in due diligence. More deals are dying as a result. - A sell side Quality of Earnings is all the more valuable in this environment. - Know your potential buyer’s track record on re-trades. - Select constructive, effective advisors. - Run your business every day like you were selling it tomorrow. Nicely echoes my mantra for every owner working with Level Four Business Solutions: “Always be ready to sell.”

"Who do you recommend to help me write my book?" This question comes up from speakers and other people with interesting stories from time to time. I always steer them in the direction of Nancy L. Erickson, THE BOOK PROFESSOR. She guided me through the process of my first book, "Permission To Play," and I am honored it is part of this amazing collage of authors she has helped publish. When you are ready to put your story into the world, get in touch with Nancy!!! #author #bookprofessor #keynotespeaker #wrotethebook

President of Montclair State University, Jonathan Koppell, joins Steve Adubato to talk about the recent merger with Bloomfield College and the importance of higher education. Go watch this episode of State Of Affairs now: https://lnkd.in/eNcKZUeB #CIANJ #steveadubato #stateofaffairs

Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Official Launch During National Black Business Month VIRGINIA, August 20, 2023 — Coinciding with National Black Business Month, the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (VABCC) is thrilled to announce its official launch. The VABCC, dedicated to fostering the growth and sustainability of black-owned businesses across the Commonwealth of Virginia, aims to be a powerful advocate for economic empowerment. In a strategic partnership with the Virginia Black Business Directory - VABBD the VABCC will provide resources to connect small businesses with major corporations, expose these businesses to new markets, and promote leadership development and entrepreneurial excellence. Currently, the VABBD boasts over 1200 members. Approximately 1000 of these memberships will automatically transfer to the Chamber of Commerce effective January 1, 2024. This partnership strengthens the VABCC's reach and solidifies the unity and collaborative spirit within Virginia's black business community. Funding from partnerships, grants, and corporate sponsors will develop educational programming, create mentorship opportunities, and host networking events. These initiatives aim to provide an environment where black-owned businesses can thrive and contribute significantly to the local economy. "The launch of the VABCC during National Black Business Month is a testament to our commitment to black-owned businesses in Virginia," said Ernisha Hall, President & CEO of the VABCC. "We believe that investing in these businesses strengthens the spirit of economic equity in Virginia, making it the best place to live, start a business, and raise a family." About the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting the sustainability of black-owned businesses throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. In partnership with the Virginia Black Business Directory, the VABCC provides resources to connect small businesses with major corporations, exposes small businesses to other markets, provides leadership development, and promotes entrepreneurial excellence. The creation of the VABCC by the VABBD is pivotal for several reasons. It increases advocacy, visibility, and exposure, provides resources and opportunities, advocates for economic and social equities, bridges the gap between black-owned businesses, celebrates black entrepreneurship, and works towards closing the wealth gap. In summary, the creation of the VABCC by the VABBD is a strategic move that will empower black-owned businesses, promote economic equity, and strengthen the overall business landscape in the Commonwealth of Virginia. #vabbd #vabcc #WeRiseByLiftingTheOthers #togetherwearestronger

This is why we do what we do at Nobellum - and why hosting events like the BIS Summit is critical for increasing representation at all levels of leadership and industry. Black female fund investors are a fraction of 1% of all financiers. That being the case, what chance do you think female founders have - particularly ones that are bringing products and services for the black community to market like Rochelle Smith and Tosin Olivia During? At the current rate of economic mobility, it’s estimated that it’s going to take black households 320 years to reach parity with white ones. We refuse to accept that as fact, and are going to encourage as many investors and entrepreneurs as possible to think BIG and make their impact on the innovation economy. Our mission is simple: 💥Bring awareness and resources to black founders 💥Lead by example as black female angel investors and VCs 💥Advocate for policy that protects and supports diverse founders and funders 💥 Be at the table when it comes time to write a cheque and support the growth of diverse founders and pro-social companies Want to get on board with this? Tickets to the BIS summit are FREE - link in comments. #blackinnovation #blackexcellence #venturecapital #bissummit #nobellum #entrepreneurship Melisa Ellis

A very nicely done event and venue. Thanks for Business Navigators, Terry Chevalier, Mark Wigder, Layne Kasper and Simon Martin for your preparation and delivery today. A couple of take aways: 1. Owners need to start preparing for their Exit plan long before they are ready to avoid the pitfalls during the process 2. Clean financials/ Quality of Earnings are a must. #1 deal killer 3. A good approach when prepping your business for sale: Reduce the daily Need for the owner to be the problem solver or savior. Whats it gonna be like when they are gone? 4. Put together a good team for making the deal happen and know its gonna be hard! Thanks again and good group!