SESSION 3: Building Wealth Through Solid Banking Relationships – Examining How a Black-owned Bank is Adding a Voice for Inclusion​
NEON’s third session in our Community Conversation Series 3.0 featuring Kenneth Kelly, Tim Welsh, and Jeanne Crain was truly a wonderful afternoon. We thank our panel for sharing their voices and experiences.
Thank you to our host, Warren McLean, and moderator, Tru Pettigrew for a fantastic conversation.
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We extend a very special thank you to our sponsorship partners who made this all possible.
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Kenneth Kelly
Tim Welsh
Jeanne Crain
Tru Pettigrew
SESSION 2: A Discussion Focused on the Sports Industry's Business
and DEI Initiatives and How They Impact BIPOC Entrepreneurs in the Metro Area​
On Tuesday, October 11th, Warren McLean was joined by panelists Tru Pettigrew, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the MN Timberwolves franchise, Meka White Morris, SVP and Chief Revenue Officer at the MN Twins, and Martin Nance, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer at the MN Vikings for Session 2 of NEON’s Community Conversation Series 3.0. The Conversation was be moderated by Harry Colbert, Jr.
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We gathered new insights from our esteemed panel in discussion around:
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How MN sports teams can work with the BIPOC business community
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Supplier diversity initiatives of MN professional sports teams
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Tru Pettigrew
Meka White Morris
Martin Nance
Harry Colbert, Jr.
SESSION 1: Economic and Community Impact of Black-led Development on the Northside
NEON’s first session in our Community Conversations 3.0 Series featuring Tim Baylor, Devean George, and Houston White was truly an evening to remember. We thank our panel for sharing your voices and insights about your entrepreneurial experiences and development plans for North Minneapolis.
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Thank you to our host, Warren McLean, moderator, Harry Colbert, Jr and Mayor Jacob Frey for a spectacular conversation.
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Stay tuned for more information on the second session in our Community Conversation 3.0 Series - Minnesota Sports: Business opportunities and DEI initiatives impacting small businesses in the metro
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We extend a very special thank you to our sponsorship partners who made this all possible.
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Check out some of our Panelists below
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Tim Baylor
Devean George
Houston White
Harry Colbert, Jr.
About 2021 Community Conversations
Community Conversations 2.0 focused on the following topics:
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Government and/or public sector leaders sharing their policy objectives and support of small businesses and organizations like NEON who are working to provide access to financing, networks, and expertise for BIPOC-owned businesses.
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A dialogue between local and national leaders in philanthropy discussing economic opportunity (and equity and justice) for Black, Brown, and minority business leaders in the Twin Cities.
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Successful Black entrepreneurs and best practices.
SESSION 3: Excellence in Black Entrepreneurship (HYBRID)
Date and Time: Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 3:30pm-4:30pm (CST)
Location: The Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom (5418 Wayzata Blvd., Golden Valley, MN 55416)
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About the Event
The third and final installment of NEON's Community Conversation 2.0 series truly embodied the essence of NEON's mission by featuring BIPOC entrepreneurs who have achieved major success in their crafts. On Thursday, March 10th, entrepreneurial expert Daymond John; Founder and President of Arubah Emotional Health Services, Anissa Keyes; and local accomplished chef Justin Sutherland with NEON President, Warren McLean.
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Moderated by Harry Colbert, Jr., the conversation examined the intersections of racial equity, business ownership, financing, expertise and suppliers, and access to networks. Panelists will also discussed different pathways to achieve economic equity and wealth for BIPOC entrepreneurs.​
Guest panelists included:
Daymond John
Chef Justin Sutherland
Anissa Keyes
Harry Colbert, Jr.
SESSION 2: A PHILANTHROPY DISCUSSION (HYBRID)
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Date and Time: Friday, October 29, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (CST)
Location: The Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom (5418 Wayzata Blvd., Golden Valley, MN 55416)
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Thank you for attending NEON’s Community Conversation Series 2.0, Session 2. It was a great panel of metro and regional philanthropy leaders – Tonya Allen, Jen Ford Reedy, and R.T. Rybak – who shared their thoughts with us. If you enjoyed our recent conversation connecting philanthropy to social and racial justice, we encourage you to join us for the next conversation. Watch for updates on our social media.
Guest panelists included:
Tonya Allen
Jen Ford Reedy
R.T. Rybak
Harry Colbert, Jr.
