Whew! The Gala is over and we are taking a few minutes to breath. Coordinating an event of hosting 700+ people is no small feat. Kudos to the Tabor 100 Board, our staff, the Gala Committee and the many volunteers that made the evening special. It was great to see our founding member, Dave Tyner, along with folks like Fred Maxey and Len Simpson. They were there in the beginning and have persevered with this organization through many a crisis, only to emerge strong and ready for the next chapter.

Our work over the course of the year day in and day out is what really stands out for me. I am committed to build on our successes over the last 25 years and take our organization to the next level. I am proud to have been Tabor 100’s President since 2008, but want to acknowledge that there is no Tabor without each of you. I thanked you at the Gala and want to again extend my sincere appreciation for all you do to uplift this organization and the community.

Let me share some statistics: We now boast 563 members with 13 dedicated staff and a network of paid consultants, volunteers and partners who share our vision. We have set a goal to distribute $4.5 million in Black Business Equity grants to help our members thrive. In 2024, we provided technical assistance to 308 businesses and, throughout our existence, have supported 6,543 businesses across Washington State. Since we opened the Business center in 2020, we have seen 22,000 visitors. Our technical assistance programs have provided one-on-one assistance to more than 1,000 businesses and we’ve hosted more than 100 networking events at the Business Center. During the Covid 19 Pandemic, we were able to provide $600,000 to our members to help them keep their doors open. We have paid more than $1 million to our network of consultants who work with women and minority owned businesses daily.

Thanks to the support of Senator Patty Murray, Tabor received $900,000 to expand our work through the J45 Camp Accelerator Program which helps businesses innovate, embrace sustainability and engage in climate tech. We are preparing Black businesses for the future, creating new opportunities and long-term growth.

We are working with Mayor Harrell’s Liberty project, boasting 43 businesses receiving training in financial literacy, marketing and supplier diversity. Six of those businesses have shared Whew $128,000 in capital. In addition, Tabor has provided $300,000 in credit repair loans to 13 businesses.

We intend to build on our 25-year legacy and I ask that you join us. Talk with me (Ollie’s phone number), call the front desk or connect with any one of our committee chairs.