Happy October!
The leaves are turning brown and yellow, and here at Tabor 100, we are recovering from a successful Gala and looking forward to continue widening opportunities for Black and Brown businesses and our communities in the future.

I want to thank all of you who sponsored, attended, helped plan and worked at the Gala this year. I was pleased to see so many Tabor 100 member businesses in attendance. While the speeches were good and the food outstanding, I appreciate the chance to honor those who have toiled so long on our behalf and serve as role models for all of us.

Our keynote speaker talked about “moving through life with humility.” In observing, for many years, the individuals who received Crystal Eagle Awards, I must say the consistent bond among them is that they all “move through life with humility.”

I have watched each of them accomplish big things without wearing it on their sleeve. The kids who are now prospering because of Annette Malveaux’s decadeslong work, the businesses and workers doing well because of Leslie Jones’ commitment and the minority workers we see at Ezell’s everyday, are impressive. Let me not forget Doug Baldwin, a Hall of Fame-bound football player who has given much to his community on and off the field and Regina, an incredible individual who has ensured prosperity for many. And Paula Sardinas whose work in Olympia and elsewhere uplifts our community.

I am also bouyed by the entrepreneurial success of Efrem Fehasa and, of course, Mian Rice, toiling in the trenches carving out new opportunities for Tabor members and others. All of our inductees exhibit humility and purpose and deserve our support and yours.

While I focus on those who have created a place for themselves as “givers” and not “takers,” I do not want to forget the young people Tabor 100 has helped achieve their dreams and become the next Doug Baldwin’s and Regina Glenn’s. We have now awarded significant scholarships to almost 100 students and will redouble our commitment to that effort in the future.