For immediate release

June 5, 2017, Halifax, NS – The Black Business Initiative (BBI) is bringing back its ever-popular Black Business Summit, an event that has featured headlining speakers including Coach Ken Carter, Stedman Graham, Farley Flex, and Daymond John to name a few. This year’s Summit, themed “Expanding Your Reach”, will be held on June 22 and 23 at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel

“We’re so proud and thrilled to reignite this signature business event,” says Rustum Southwell, CEO, BBI. “The Business Summit provides an important connection point that brings together influential speakers – from policymakers to forward thinking entrepreneurs to industry captains – and connects them with local business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Southwell notes that the inspiring and successful Black business leaders who have headlined previous Summits have “captured the hearts, minds and souls of our community.” This year is no exception. “We’re thrilled to confirm that the 2017 Summit will feature yet another world- class speaker – Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama.”

As the longest serving Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama and recipient of numerous awards and honorary degrees, including TIME’s “100 Most Influential People”, Ms. Jarrett oversaw the Offices of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs and Chaired the White House Council on Women and Girls.

“This Summit will focus on expanding reach beyond borders and boundaries, a theme that couldn’t be more timely,” says Southwell. “In today’s ever-changing economic climate, the

businesses that thrive are those that expand their horizons to harness the opportunities that exist beyond immediate borders.”

The 2017 Summit will showcase successful business leaders who are developing and implementing innovative strategies to benefit from new revenue potential, diversified markets, greater access to talent and exposure to new investment opportunities.

Joining Ms. Jarrett for the 2017 Summit are Saviour Joseph, President of Creative Social Agency, Colour, Eleanor Beaton, award-winning journalist and CEO of Fierce, Feminine, Leadership, Cassandra Dorrington, President of the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC), and Peter Spurway, VP Corporate Communications and Airport Experience at Halifax Stanfield Airport, among other successful Black business leaders.

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For more information about the BBI and to register for the 2017 Business Summit visit bbi.ca/bbsummit-2017

For more information, please contact: Laurissa Manning, BBI 902.426.8698

Dynamic Results Event Management 902.495.6090