Robin Reshard talks about what makes the Pensacola Network special.
Lloyd Reshard talks about networking and the Pensacola Network
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2013
African American Networking Reignites in Pensacola
PENSACOLA, FL – Pensacola Network, a new community organization that connects African American business owners, organizations, and professionals, will hold its inaugural event on Friday, July 26, from 5-8pm at DeVilliers Square, located at 321 N. DeVilliers Street, in historic Belmont-DeVilliers. Pensacola Network will host a regular monthly networking event on the last Friday of every month. July’s event will be sponsored by Gulf Power Company.
Although new to Pensacola, the concept of African American networking events has been present in the Panhandle for decades. “After numerous requests from people in the community interested in strengthening the network of African American businesses, we took the opportunity to expand the networking framework to Pensacola,” said Lloyd Reshard, president of Tip or Tap Marketing. Reshard has hosted “First Friday Networking,” a similar group in the Fort Walton Beach area, for over 20 years. “We have been able to help businesses gain significant federal and private contracts of up to $29 million. These opportunities create jobs and spur our economy through real estate, subcontracting, and other service and product growth.
Networking has always been seen as a powerful and important strategic tool in the African American community, especially for economic empowerment and growth. Robert Hill, a radio broadcaster and the owner of WRNE 980 radio station, became an early sponsor of the network in an effort to connect his station’s demographic to that growth. “It’s not just about the networking, but empowering. The African American community needs empowering,” Hill expressed. He joins other businesses who early on saw the strategic advantage in supporting the event, including DeVilliers Square, Truth for Youth, and Kore Access.
Networking will begin at 5:00 pm at this free event. At 6:30pm, Stan Connally, CEO of Gulf Power, will be interviewed by Robin Reshard of Robert Robino Productions. A meet and greet with executives, business owners, and other community leaders will follow. The interview will be available post-event on Pensacola Network’s web site.
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Supporting Resources for the Pensacola Network:
About Gulf Power
Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 430,000 customers in eight countries throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at GulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page, “Gulf Power Company.”
About Pensacola Network
Pensacola Network operates to connect African American business owners, organizations, and professionals to resources that help them flourish. The monthly networking events are structured to foster business relationships and spur economic development within the community. The Pensacola Network is a collaborative effort of Tip or Tap Marketing LLC, Robert Robino Productions, WRNE, and Pivotal Data Technologies. Event founding partners are DeVilliers Square, Truth for Youth, Inc. and Kore Access, Incorporated.