National Black MBA Association - Columbus Chapter, 2007 Corporate Partner Award Reception

Columbus, Ohio December 14, 2007:

On Monday, December 10, 2007 the National Black MBA Association - Columbus Chapter hosted its Annual Corporate Partner Awards Reception at Crowne Plaza in downtown Columbus. Each year the Columbus Chapter financial members nominate and vote to select the corporation, educational institution, entrepreneur and volunteer of year for their continuous dedication, partnership and commitment to the National Black MBA Association and Columbus community. This year the following organizations were nominated in each of their respective categories:

Corporate Partner of the Year Nominees:
Abercrombie & Fitch, American Electric Power (AEP), Cardinal Health, Eli Lily, Huntington, JP Morgan Chase, Limitedbrands, McGraw Hill, Nationwide, State Farm, Wendy's International

2007 Corporate Partner of the Year:
Limitedbrands

One of the quotes from the membership in recognition of Limitedbrands was: "Limitedbrands continues to develop partnerships within the community and uses its partnership with the NBMBAA Columbus chapter as an example of a successful partnership. The commitment that Limitedbrands shows to not only the local chapter but to the National organization is why I believe that they are deserving of this honor."

Educational Partner of the Year Nominees:
Ashland University, Franklin University, The Ohio State University - Fisher College of Business,

2007 Educational Partner of the Year:
The Ohio State University - Fisher College of Business

One of the quotes from the membership in recognition of The Fisher College of Business was: "The Ohio State University- Fisher College of Business continues to support the NBMBAA on a local and national level and for this I think that they are deserving of this award."

Entrepreneur of the Year Nominees:
Executive Intervention, Dr. Sacheen Garrison, DDS, Krr Pop, Linden Café, Progressive Marketing Management, Nancy Pyon - Nationwide Agent, Lisa Sain - State Farm Agent, Sullivan Staffing Solutions

Entrepreneur of the Year:
Robert E. Lee III - The Linden Café

One of the quotes from the membership in recognition of Robert E. Lee and the Linden Café was: "I worked for Robert when I was a freshman in college many years ago and he taught me some valuable lessons that I hold dear to me today. Robert is an inspiration to a lot of young African-American entrepreneurs who inspire to build businesses like he has done. His passion and love for the restaurant business has spilled over into his work and is a true demonstration of what perseverance can do for you!"

Volunteer of the Year Nominees:
Yolanda Cummings, Rommel Davis, Lisa Johnson, Jean Harvey, PG Laurent, Jackie Vincent, Qiana Williams

Volunteer of the Year
Rommel Davis

One of the quotes from the membership in recognition of Rommel Davis was: "Based on his passion and dedication to the LOT program. He has proven to be a leader and a motivator to the youth in the program. He has worked with them by providing resources when necessary and by showing them how to remove barriers in their lives and by showing them that they are valuable and that their futures are bright."

Additional Awards Presented:

Executive Board Member of the Year: Terina J. Matthews
This honor is bestowed up an executive board member who tirelessly promotes the mission, vision, and values of the organization. The recipient of this award is voted on by the Executive Committee of the NBMBAA - Columbus Chapter.

President's Award: Mary Johnson
This award is given to a financial member of the organization who has demonstrated exceptional work ethic and commitment to the advancement of the NBMBAA - Columbus Chapter.

Heritage Award: David Harrison
This award recognizes the long term commitment, dedication, support, community involvement and passion for success demonstrated by a member of the NBMBAA - Columbus Chapter, or supporter who continuously goes above and beyond in accelerating the organizations vision.

Champion Award: Richard Dent - Limitedbrands; Jeanetta Darno - Nationwide
This honor is bestowed upon Corporate Executive Leadership who promotes the ideals of the NBMBAA locally and nationally. The recipients of this award are Senior Level Executive Leaders in Business and/or Higher Education who serve as champions of the organizations' vision to promote intellectual and economic wealth opportunities in the African-American community.

Congratulations to our 2007 award winners. Thank you to our members, corporate partners, educational partners, civic/community friends, and peer organizations for you continued support of the NBMBAA - Columbus Chapter.