Aug, 22
2022
Business, Free News Articles, Regional Events

Blaylock Van Partners to Support 2nd Annual United Diversity Business Summit

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Blaylock Van, LLC, the nation's longest continuously operating Black-owned investment bank, will serve as a sponsorship partner for the 2nd annual United Diversity Business Summit, Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group & The City of Scottsdale. The Sept. 14 summit will convene diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs across Arizona.

The annual summit is a critical part of the work to accelerate DEI progress; each person's new tools, connections, and understanding will be taken and transformed into action. Whether that is a conversion, a commitment to action, a policy change, a new community partnership, etc., the need to carry the energy, information, and momentum forward is essential to driving equity and inclusion.

Certified as a Minority Business Enterprise by the State of New York, Wisconsin, the City of New York, and the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Blaylock Van is 81 percent Black-owned. It recently established a formal training program as part of its DEI initiatives. It serves corporations, municipalities, investment managers, and pension funds with a diverse employee base committed to working beyond financial services.

"We are honored to again have the support of an organization that threads diversity and inclusivity into everything it does," said summit's founder and CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting, Dr. Velma Trayham. "Blaylock Van has an incredible history. We are thrilled that Eric Standifer will share some secrets to their ongoing success with diversity, inclusivity, and equity in the investment world."

"As the oldest Black-owned investment bank in the country, we have a unique perspective on diversity best practices," Standifer added. "I look forward to sharing some of our challenges, opportunities, and insights on making decisions and taking actions that truly incorporate diverse perspectives."

The 2022 United Diversity Business Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Center with the theme of "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community and Innovation." It is free for attendees.

Attendees will learn from more than 25 keynote experts on innovative approaches and best practices to improve economic diversity outcomes for organizations and entrepreneurs. The summit will host two tracks: Track 1 is designed for public and private companies seeking to increase diversity outcomes, and Track 2 incorporates business development programs to attract and grow the minority small business community. Workshop topics will include using disruption to advance business strategy, entrepreneurship 101, supplier diversity, inclusive decision-making, overcoming financial challenges, and more.

In addition to Standifer, speakers for the 2022 summit include David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale; Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla; Jackie Johnson, Diversity Director for the City of Scottsdale; Rob Millar, Economic Development Director for the City of Scottsdale; Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group; Danny Seiden, President, and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Cloves Campbell, co-publisher of the Arizona Informant and more to be announced.

Other Event Sponsors Include SRP (Salt River Project), ASU Office of Economic Development, Country Financial, Fry's Food Stores, and Truist Bank.

Registration is now available at https://uniteddiversitybusinesssummit.com/

About Blaylock Van, LLC:

Blaylock Van, LLC (BV) is the oldest and continuously operating Black-owned investment bank in the United States, providing personalized services for clients across the country. Clients include corporations, municipalities, investment managers, pension funds, and family offices.

The Firm's headquarters are in New York City, with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and Oakland, Calif. For more information, please visit https://brv-llc.com/.

Related link: https://brv-llc.com/

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Aug, 12
2022
Business, Free News Articles, Regional Events

Momentum Builds for United Diversity Business Summit on September 14

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Response from the business community has been strong as the 2nd Annual installment of Arizona's top conference on diversity and inclusion grows closer, with several major sponsors on board and a list of expert speakers committing to the event, Thinkzilla Consulting Group announced today.

The 2022 United Diversity Business Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Center with a theme of "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community and Innovation." It is free for attendees.

The event's organizers have announced four new major sponsors that are helping to make this important conference a reality: Salt River Project, Blaylock Van, Country Financial and the Arizona State University Office of Economic Development.

And, the lineup of quality speakers continues to grow. Speakers for the 2022 summit include:

* David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale

* Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla

* Jackie Johnson, Diversity Director for the City of Scottsdale

* Rob Millar, Economic Development Director for the City of Scottsdale

* Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group

* Danny Seiden, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry

* Cloves Campbell, co-publisher of the Arizona Informant

* Eric Standifer, President and CEO of Blaylock Van

* Ashlee Atkins, President of Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals (YP)

* Mark Stanton, President & CEO of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce

* Keasha Beach, Executive Director of BASE Arizona

Registration for the event has been brisk and has increased in the past couple of weeks, so potential attendees are encouraged to register now to ensure their attendance.

"We are very excited about how the event is coming together and the compelling speakers and content we will be bringing together on September 14," Dr. Trayham said. "We are grateful to our sponsors - particularly Salt River Project, Blaylock Van, Country Financial and the ASU Office of Economic Development - for making this event possible. We are looking forward to advancing the discussion of diversity in business and creating invaluable connections for corporations and entrepreneurs in our community."

The summit recently announced its distinguished co-chairs: Cameron Robb, Senior Development Consultant at APS; Jackie Johnson, City of Scottsdale Diversity Director; and former Arizona State Representative Art Hamilton. Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group and the City of Scottsdale, the Sept. 14 summit will convene diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs from across Arizona to share ideas and innovations.

The United Diversity Business Summit will spearhead break-out sessions and training workshops covering various topics and industries with the aim of moving 100 or more companies forward and expanding fast-growing diverse small businesses across the Valley.

The United Diversity Business Summit offers corporations and governmental entities the opportunity to reach more than 500 business owners during the event and through pre- and post-event marketing. Each year as a part of Thinkzilla Consulting Group's "Diversity Business Awareness" aimed at increasing patronage of Inclusive Organizations, the "Diversity Business Summit " Co-Chair committee salutes and highlights the accomplishments of five diverse businesses in Scottsdale.

Attendees will learn from more than 25 speakers on innovative approaches and best practices to improve economic diversity outcomes for organizations and entrepreneurs. This year's summit will host two tracks: Track 1 is designed for public and private companies seeking to increase diversity outcomes and Track 2 incorporates business development programs to attract and grow the minority small business community. Workshop topics will include using disruption to advance business strategy, entrepreneurship 101, supplier diversity, inclusive decision-making, recognizing and overcoming financial challenges, and more.

Registration is now available at https://uniteddiversitybusinesssummit.com/

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group:

ThinkZILLA is one of the country's fastest-growing DE&I Consulting, digital engagement, and program management firms. Making brands more relevant, ThinkZILLA builds meaningful connections between brands and consumers. For more information on ThinkZILLA or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/.

About the City of Scottsdale:

Scottsdale is one of the state's leading job centers, with a diverse economy built on medical research, high-tech innovation, tourism, and corporate headquarters. Scottsdale is home to nearly 18,000 businesses supplying over 150,000 jobs. The high-tech innovation center SkySong, located just a few miles from Downtown, is designed to help companies grow through a unique partnership with nearby Arizona State University. For more information, visit https://www.choosescottsdale.com/.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

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Aug, 02
2022
Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles, Government

Co-Chairs Announced for 2nd Annual United Diversity Business Summit, Cameron Robb, Jackie Johnson and Art Hamilton

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Building on the impact and success of 2021 "United Diversity Business Summit," bringing together a trifecta of leadership and insight, the 2nd annual Summit has announced its distinguished co-chairs: Cameron Robb, Senior Development Consultant at APS; Jackie Johnson, City of Scottsdale Diversity Director; and former Arizona State Representative Art Hamilton. Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group and the City of Scottsdale, the Sept. 14 summit will convene diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs from across Arizona to share ideas and innovations.

With this expanded leadership team, the United Diversity Business Summit will spearhead break-out sessions and training workshops covering various topics and industries. With the aim of moving 100 or more companies forward and expanding fast-growing diverse small businesses across the valley.

Cameron Robb's role at APS, helps bring clean, reliable and affordable energy to more than 2.7 million Arizonans. Further diversity throughout the City of Scottsdale, Jackie Johnson sets the strategic direction for DEI initiatives, integrating diversity with the city's core mission and values. A 26-year-public servant, Art Hamilton became a state legislator at age 21 and served as minority leader of the Arizona House of Representatives for nearly two decades; he was also the first Black and only Arizonan to be elected to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The 2022 United Diversity Business Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Center with a theme of "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community and Innovation." It is free for attendees.

"Creating a sustainable future for everyone in Arizona means that we must offer a path to reliable and affordable energy for everyone," Robb said. "We believe in leading the way with innovation and supporting everyone in the diverse communities we serve. I am honored to serve as co-chair for the United Diversity Business Summit and help to bring more voices and perspectives to the leader's table."

Attendees will learn from more than 25 speakers on innovative approaches and best practices to improve economic diversity outcomes for organizations and entrepreneurs. This year's summit will host two tracks: Track 1 is designed for public and private companies seeking to increase diversity outcomes and Track 2 incorporates business development programs to attract and grow the minority small business community. Workshop topics will include using disruption to advance business strategy, entrepreneurship 101, supplier diversity, inclusive decision-making, recognizing and overcoming financial challenges, and more.

"As a steady voice for the underrepresented, I appreciate the opportunity to engage greater diversity, equity and inclusion throughout Scottsdale with this summit and all of the incredible initiatives it sparks," Johnson added. "This year's event has an extraordinary wealth of talent, insight, and diverse perspectives and expertise."

Speakers for the 2022 summit include: David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale; Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla; Jackie Johnson, Diversity Director for the City of Scottsdale; Rob Millar, Economic Development Director for the City of Scottsdale; Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group; Danny Seiden, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Cloves Campbell, co-publisher of the Arizona Informant; Eric Standifer, President and CEO of Blaylock Van and more to be announced.

Registration is now available at https://uniteddiversitybusinesssummit.com/

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group:

ThinkZILLA is one of the country's fastest-growing DE&I Consulting, digital engagement, and program management firms. Making brands more relevant, ThinkZILLA builds meaningful connections between brands and consumers. For more information on ThinkZILLA or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/.

About the City of Scottsdale:

Scottsdale is one of the state's leading job centers, with a diverse economy built on medical research, high-tech innovation, tourism, and corporate headquarters. Scottsdale is home to nearly 18,000 businesses supplying over 150,000 jobs. The high-tech innovation center SkySong, located just a few miles from Downtown, is designed to help companies grow through a unique partnership with nearby Arizona State University. For more information, visit https://www.choosescottsdale.com/.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

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Jul, 22
2022
Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Regional Events

2nd Annual United Diversity Business Summit Announced Sept. 14 to Improve Economic Diversity Outcomes

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Building on the success of 2021 "United Diversity Business Summit Day," which included a special proclamation from Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega, the second annual United Diversity Business Summit will be held on Sept. 14, 2022. Presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group and the City of Scottsdale, the summit will engage business and community leaders in efforts to create more diverse and inclusive outcomes.

The Summit will feature keynote speakers, substantive breakout sessions, business opportunity exchange, networking opportunities, and insightful resources for the business community. Presentations are targeted toward businesses with well-developed Diversity and Inclusion programs and those without current efforts but who want to engage.

In addition, leading professionals will spearhead break-out sessions and training workshops covering various topics and industries. With the aim of moving 100 or more companies forward and expanding fast-growing diverse small businesses, the 2022 United Diversity Business Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Center with a theme of "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community and Innovation."

"This summit brings us closer to our aim of a diverse business community where everyone's ideas can flourish," said the CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting, Dr. Velma Trayham. "My hope is that this summit empowers attendees to share valuable resources and best practices in DEI and leadership with their organizations, coworkers, managers, and senior leaders."

Attendees will hear from more than 25 Speakers to improve economic diversity outcomes for both organizations and entrepreneurs. This year's summit will host two tracks: Track 1 is designed for public and private companies seeking to increase diversity outcomes, and Track 2 incorporates business development programs to attract and grow the small business community. Workshop topics will include using disruption to advance business strategy, strengthening supplier diversity, inclusive decision-making, funding opportunities, women empowerment, and more.

Early-bird registration now available at https://uniteddiversitybusinesssummit.com/

Speakers for the 2022 summit include David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale; Dr. Jackie Johnson, Diversity Director for the City of Scottsdale; Rob Millar, Economic Development Director for the City of Scottsdale; Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group; Danny Seiden, President, and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Cloves Campbell, co-publisher of the Arizona Informant; Eric Standifer, President, and CEO of Blaylock Van and more to be announced.

Limited Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting: Thinkzilla Consulting Group - 480.572.1838.

About the City of Scottsdale:

Scottsdale is one of the state's leading job centers, with a diverse economy built on medical research, high-tech innovation, tourism, and corporate headquarters. Scottsdale is home to nearly 18,000 businesses supplying over 150,000 jobs. The high-tech innovation center SkySong, located just a few miles from Downtown, is designed to help companies grow through a unique partnership with nearby Arizona State University. For more information, visit https://www.choosescottsdale.com/.

About Thinkzilla Consulting Group:

ThinkZILLA specializes in DE&I Consulting, digital engagement, and program development. Making brands more relevant, ThinkZILLA builds meaningful connections between brands and consumers. For more information on ThinkZILLA or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Sep, 22
2021
Business, Economic Development, Free News Articles

United Diversity Business Summit Connects Top Valley Leaders with Minority Entrepreneurs

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Thinkzilla Consulting today announced that As Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega proclaimed Sept. 15 "United Diversity Business Summit Day," diverse business leaders and entrepreneurs from across Arizona came together to share ideas and innovations at the first United Diversity Business Summit, which was livestreamed by the City of Scottsdale. The proclamation was presented to Dr. Velma Trayham, organizer of the summit and founder of Thinkzilla Consulting Group. The 2022 summit will be held on Sept. 14, with registration forthcoming.

Highlighting the importance of "opportunity for everyone," Mayor Ortega shared his initial foray into business at age 14, when his dad announced that "I spent your college fund today" on a local business. Mayor Ortega also proudly shared two key accomplishments: establishing an anti-discrimination ordinance within his first two months in office and formalizing an agreement with the local school district and Scottsdale Community College to support educational health and attainment.

The programming for the summit was presented by Thinkzilla Consulting Group fulfilling its mission to help organizations create positive economic impact through cultural diversity. The only firm in the state of Arizona that combines program management resources with deep DE&I expertise, a network of thousands of minority-led business suppliers, and full service marketing capabilities. The theme of the all-day summit was "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem," and it was designed as a recovery mechanism to grow small and medium businesses and provide opportunities to support diversification and inclusion initiatives.

"The first annual United Diversity Business Summit was a transformative day filled with innovative and dynamic programming, purpose-driven and vision-oriented entrepreneurs and business owners and illuminating and inspiring keynote speakers. We couldn't have asked for more," said Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting Group. "We look forward to introducing even more programs that enhance the ecosystem for small businesses and diverse entrepreneurs."

At the United Diversity Business Summit, Thinkzilla launched a new diversity, equity and inclusion assessment for businesses: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/dei-assessment/. The assessment was developed to help more organizations evaluate their efforts to create a sustainable diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, gathering data-driven insights and then identifying new opportunities and strategic planning around DE&I. Trayham invited companies of all sizes interested in making diversity, equity and inclusion "the core of your business values" to move forward with the assessment.

The event programming addressed critical topics that directly impact minority business owners and entrepreneurs. Chris Camacho, president and CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, led a conversation on "The Road to Economic Recovery" that shared innovative business practices and pivot techniques that empower innovation in entrepreneurship. Marcy Tibbs, financial specialist with Country Financial, hosted, "Taking Control: Financial Challenges Women Face," addressing the importance of credit and maximizing social security benefits to help women strengthen their financial futures. Robin Reed, president, and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona delivered a powerful keynote presentation on scaling a successful business venture. Through these workshops, speakers highlighted innovative approaches and best practices that corporations and entrepreneurs could employ to enhance economic diversity.

The esteemed speakers included: David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale; Art Hamilton, founder of Art Hamilton Group, Kaley O"Kelley, News Anchor for ABC 15 Arizona, Eric Standifer, president and CEO of Blaylock Van; Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla; Robin Reed, president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona; Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council; Monica Villalabos, president & CEO of Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Tye Hayes, former Chief Information Officer for the City of Atlanta; Gia Rutledge, DE&I expert with Thinkzilla and more.

Sponsors for the event were: Blaylock Van, Arizona State University, Scottdale Art Center, Country Financial, Millionaire Mastermind Academy, SRP, and the City of Scottsdale. Additional community supporters were: GPEC, Black Chamber of Arizona, Arizona Informant, Herozona Foundation, and Maricopa Corporate College.

The United Diversity Business Summit can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBOUmrz4HrM.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

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Aug, 26
2021
Business, Education and Schools, Free News Articles, Regional Events

Free Business Summit Offers Workshops from Top Valley Leaders to Minority Entrepreneurs

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Thinkzilla Consulting today announced that The Millionaire Mastermind Academy is fulfilling its mission to educate and support the growth of minority owned businesses by introducing the free United Diversity Business Summit to Arizona on Sept. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The event will bring together a selection of business experts and CEOs sharing innovative approaches and best practices to improve Arizona's economic growth outcomes with minority business owners and entrepreneurs.

The theme of the all-day summit is "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem," with workshops on mentoring minority entrepreneurs, accessing capital and more. The summit is designed as a recovery mechanism to grow small and medium businesses and provide opportunities to support diversification and inclusion initiatives.

"The United Diversity Business Summit is designed to be an avenue for minority entrepreneurs and avant-garde companies to make a mark and propel to new heights, access opportunities, and build the businesses for the communities they live in," said Dr. Velma Trayham, founder of Millionaire Mastermind Academy and CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting Group. "We are proud of the partnerships we created with the distinguished list of speakers and look forward to sharing their expertise with the Arizona business community."

The event programming was designed to address topics that directly impact minority business owners and entrepreneurs. Chris Camacho, president and CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council will lead a conversation titled "The Road to Economic Recovery" sharing innovative business practices and pivot techniques that empower innovation in entrepreneurship. Marcy Tibbs, financial specialist with Country Financial will host the workshop, "Taking Control: Financial Challenges Women Face" addressing topics like the importance of credit and maximizing social security benefits to help women strengthen their financial futures. Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority will lead the workshop "Arizona's Exciting Economic Vitality Is Just Beginning" discussing the rapidly growing economic development of Arizona. Through these workshops, speakers will highlight innovative approaches and best practices that corporations and entrepreneurs can take to improve economic diversity.

Additional workshop topics at the summit include: Entrepreneur Start-up Lab for Students hosted by ASU, Empower Minority Entrepreneurs through Mentorship, Diversity in the Workplace, RFP/Sales Contracts with the State of Arizona, The Power of Capital, Information on How to Create an Effective Capability Statement, Intelligent Automation Driving Industry Transformation, Measuring D&I

Initiatives and more. By spotlighting best practices and promising approaches, attendees will leave the Summit with new tools and a new paradigm for growth that adapts to a dynamic global marketplace.

"We are so pleased to be part of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy's United Diversity Business Summit 2021 because MMA founder Dr. Velma Trayham has the vision, experience, and skills to bring entrepreneurs together for greater impact in Arizona, as she has done nationally," said Ji Mi Choi, vice president of ASU's Knowledge Enterprise and Founding Executive Director of ASU's Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute. "The nonprofit mission of MMA and the business acumen and network they bring to the summit is a force multiplier for entrepreneurs."

The full list of esteemed speakers includes: Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority; Dr. Velma Trayham, founder of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy and CEO of Thinkzilla; Robin Reed, president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona; Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council; David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale; President and CEO of Blaylock Van; Eric Standifer, President and Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group.

To register for The United Diversity Business Summit, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/united-diversity-business-summit-tickets-157093505905

About Millionaire Mastermind Academy

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate and support the growth of women-owned business enterprises, thereby strengthening the economic impact in their community. More than 5000 women have been mentored through our minority business development programs. For more information visit https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT
Nancy Davis
Press@thinkzillaconsulting.com
888-509-1145

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Jul, 15
2021
Business, Education and Schools, Entertainment, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities, Regional Events

Millionaire Mastermind Academy and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Announces Entrepreneur Summit Sept. 15

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- ThinkZILLA Consulting Group announced today that The Millionaire Mastermind Academy, Inc. and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will host the 2021 United Diversity Business Summit on Sept. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The theme of the summit is "Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem," with workshops on measuring diversity and inclusion initiatives, mentoring minority entrepreneurs, accessing capital and more.

The free all-day summit, held at The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, will feature workshops, panels and speakers to help minority small businesses, entrepreneurs, and medium-sized businesses discover innovative approaches and best practices to improve Arizona's Economic growth outcomes. With speakers from the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and Arizona Commerce Authority, Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega and other distinguished Greater Phoenix leaders, this event will create pathways to entrepreneurship for all.

"Building on our success in creating programs to advance business opportunities for Black and minority-owned businesses through corporate engagement in Atlanta and Houston, we are excited to share our strategy and experience with Arizona corporations," said Dr. Velma Trayham, Founder of Millionaire Mastermind Academy, Award Winning Entrepreneur, and CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting Group. "The summit's focus on empowering entrepreneurs is a perfect theme for moving forward and creating the next generation of diverses business owners and leaders."

While African-Americans have the fastest growth rate by percentage of any demographic in Arizona, the state's Black median household income continues to lag behind the rest of the state, according to the State of Black Business Report for Arizona, a study led by the State of Black Arizona. Further, Black-owned firms comprise just one percent of all statewide businesses, and most are less than six years old. Trayham launched the Millionaire Mastermind Academy to help diverse women entrepreneurs create and launch sustainable businesses; the program has mentored more than 5,000 women in achieving their dreams of entrepreneurship.

"In the last year, collaboration with organizations such as GPEC, State of Black Arizona, Arizona Hispanic Chamber and Social Television Network have shown me the true impact, importance and the benefits of improving diversity within the business community," said Robin S. Reed, President and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. "Now is the time to build on that momentum and take massive action toward creating measurable metrics that define our commitment to DEI as the standard for how companies operate."

The summit is designed to serve as a recovery mechanism to provide resources for small business owners, including those who did not have the infrastructure to take advantage of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds. Topics covered during the free event will include financial literacy, driving industry transformation, advancing black entrepreneurs, and measuring diversity and inclusivity initiatives, among others.

Keynote speakers include: Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority; Dr. Velma Trayham, Founder of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy and CEO of Thinkzilla; Robin Reed, President and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona; Chris Camacho, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council; Mayor of Scottsdale David Ortega; Danny Seidon, President and CEO of Blaylock Van; Eric Standifer, President and CEO of Greater Phoenix Leadership; and Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group.

"Creating opportunity and an equitable community is accomplished only through inclusive growth," said Chris Camacho, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. "This summit is an important step forward in filling knowledge gaps and taking action on diversity as Greater Phoenix's economy cannot reach its full potential without expanding programs and opportunities for minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs."

For more Sponsorship information, Media Inquiries, general information or to register, please visit the link below.

United Diversity Business Summit Tickets, Mon, Sep 15, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. - https://uniteddiversitybusinesssummit.com/

About ThinkZILLA Consulting Group

ThinkZILLA Consulting Group is a culturally aware brand engagement firm that focuses on diversity and inclusion through entrepreneurial impact. Thinkzilla works with large companies that want to diversify their supply chains and connect with minority -owned businesses. We utilize program development, digital engagement, partnership marketing, experiential events and Public Relations strategy to push projects forward. Making brands more relevant, ThinkZILLA builds meaningful connections between brands and consumers. For more information on ThinkZILLA please visit https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

About Millionaire Mastermind Academy

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to educate and support the growth of women-owned business enterprises, thereby strengthening the economic impact in their community. We have mentored more than 5,000 women through our programs. For more information, visit http://www.millionairemastermindacademy.org/

About the Greater Phoenix Economic Council

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), recently named the top economic development organization in the U.S. by the International Economic Development Council, works to attract and grow quality businesses and advocate for the competitiveness of Greater Phoenix. A data-driven regional economic development organization, GPEC works with 22 member communities, Maricopa County and more than 170 private investors to accomplish its mission and serve as a strategic partner to companies across the world as they expand or relocate to Greater Phoenix. Over the past 31 years GPEC has fueled the regional economy by helping more than 850 companies, creating 154,000 jobs and $20.4 billion in capital investment. Greater Phoenix is in a relentless pursuit of innovative and entrepreneurial-focused companies looking to thrive and scale in a vibrant, dynamic region. There is an undeniable spirit about Greater Phoenix; one rooted in strength, collaboration and resilience. Greater Phoenix is Greater Together. For more information about GPEC and how we can assist your businesses, visit http://www.gpec.org/.

About the Black Chamber of Arizona

The mission of the Black Chamber of Arizona (BCAZ), now in its twenty-second year of existence, is to help increase entrepreneurial and corporate diversity by building stronger businesses that serve all communities. It does this by providing tools and education to create more "bankable" businesses, by removing barriers that impede access to capital and by partnering with leading educational institutions to help create competitive business advantages through workforce diversity. For additional information, visit http://www.blackchamberaz.com/.

*IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0715s2p-udbsummit-poster-300dpi.jpg

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