Earl "Butch" Graves Jr. (Class of 1980), CEO of Black Enterprise Announced Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo in Columbus 2013

Premier Business Conference Heads to Columbus [Earl "Butch" Graves Jr.]
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/premier-business-conference-heads-to-columbus-2012-05-10
 
Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo Hosted by Nationwide Announces Columbus site for 2013
 
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 10, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- BLACK ENTERPRISE, the nation's premier business resource for African Americans will bring its Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo hosted by Nationwide Insurance to Columbus in spring 2013. Today, BLACK ENTERPRISE President and CEO Earl "Butch" Graves Jr. joined Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman and Nationwide Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer Matthew Jauchius at Nationwide headquarters in Columbus to make the announcement.

 The BLACK ENTERPRISE Conference + Expo hosted by Nationwide Insurance, draws over 1,500 people from across the country each year. Touted as the premier business conference and networking event for African American entrepreneurs, corporate executives and professionals, the conference will be held at the newly constructed Hilton Columbus Downtown, May 15 - 18, 2013.

"Bringing the Entrepreneur Conference to Columbus and the Buckeye State is special to us for a lot of reasons," said Earl "Butch" Graves Jr. "Last year, 12 of the BE100s; our list of the most successful African American-owned businesses in the nation, called Ohio home. Columbus is a city that breathes economic and entrepreneurial potential, not only for those who live here, but for our nation."

Nationwide Insurance, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is the presenting sponsor of the Entrepreneurs Conference and joins Columbus leaders to bring the conference to its hometown.

"Nationwide understands what it's like to start and grow your own business," said Matthew Jauchius, Nationwide Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer. "We grew from a small auto insurance company more than 80 years ago, to where we are today -- one of the nation's top insurance companies; and our agency model helps entrepreneurs build their own businesses in our industry," he continued. "We are pleased that Columbus is the destination for this conference in 2013."


Business and community leaders joined in celebrating the announcement. Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman underscored the importance of having BLACK ENTERPRISE recognize Columbus as a vibrant city to hold its one of its premier conferences here.

"We are proud to host the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo in the city of Columbus next year," Mayor Coleman said. "This will be an outstanding opportunity to showcase our city as a great place to visit and an even better place to live."

For more than 40 years, BLACK ENTERPRISE has served as the unprecedented leader in black business development. The Entrepreneurs Conference provides attendees with tools and resources to build, grow and manage their businesses. In addition, the conference's famous Elevator Pitch Competition awards $10,000 for the best new business idea.


About BLACK ENTERPRISE

ENTERPRISE, your ultimate source to build Wealth for Life, is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, BE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Every month, BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine provides 4 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. A multimedia company, BE also produces television programming, business and lifestyle events, Web content, and digital media. Visit www.blackenterprise.com for more information.


About BLACK ENTERPRISE Entrepreneur Conference + Expo


The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo attracts more than 1,500 attendees annually. Entrepreneurs from all over the country come together to take in everything the conference has to offer --from informative sessions, high-powered speakers, and networking opportunities, to essential tools for emerging and established entrepreneurs. The country's premier business conference and networking event for African American entrepreneurs, corporate executives and professionals, it is the only venue where leaders of the nation's largest black-owned businesses gather at one place, one time and with one purpose. To access updates on the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo hosted by Nationwide, follow BLACK ENTERPRISE on Facebook and on Twitter, and by tracking the hashtags #BEEC 2012 and #BEEC2013.