Hello everyone!
It is great that we’ve kind of started summer, although, as we know, in the Pacific Northwest, summer doesn’t come until after the 4th of July. I am looking forward to some more sun.
Lots have been happening with Tabor 100 over the past several years. We recently highlighted much of what we’ve done over the last 5 years and since we moved into our HUB location and shed our all-volunteer format. We work hard, but this is the first time we’ve tallied all our efforts over the years :
• 32,380 visitors to our HUB location since it opened in 2022
• $460,000 to 25 businesses through the Black Business Equity Fund
• $614,000 in loans to 25 businesses
• $1,297,083 in consultant services support to businesses
• More than 1000 businesses have been helped since 2022
In the midst of all Tabor’s work on promoting Black and other minority businesses, there have been headlines at the national level. We appreciate Earl Key, Senior Director of Transportation Equity at WSDOT, and Lekha Fernandez, the Acting Director of the State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises, for keeping us up-to-date on federal efforts to fight the dismantling of the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. But more importantly, I want to acknowledge their work in ensuring there are programs in this state that will continue to promote “business equity” in the absence of the DBE Program.
“Were you there for Tabor’s first-ever Vendor Showcase?” It was a success! Minority-owned vendors from across the region showcased their products, and many attendees showed their support through purchases. Thank you for attending, and it won’t be the last time we do this. Stay tuned.
Our big night will be here sooner than you know it! The 2025 Captains of Industry Gala will take place on Saturday, September 20th. Planning is underway, and we invite you to be a part of it. The Gala Committee meets regularly, and I encourage you to reach out to Tabor Executive Board Member, Darci Henderson, at [email protected] to join in this very rewarding endeavor.
