“Entrepreneurs & Entertainers Mixing Business with Pleasure Each Month”

Youngstown, OH - - The Valley’s first Biz & Entertainment Mixer with Debórah was off to a great start. It was an evening where Northeast OH entrepreneurs, professionals, and entertainers gathered for professional networking and entertainment. Many industries and professions were represented as entrepreneurs got a chance to formally introduce themselves and share a speedy description of their products and services. Most attendees were from the Youngstown-Cleveland-Akron-Canton area. Some of the industries represented at the Mixer were Skilled Trades, Finances, Education, Politics, Law, Pro Sports, News Media, Stage and Screen, Literary (Acting & Modeling), Real Estate, Culinary, Health and Fitness to name a few.  One performing artist even sang during part of his formal introduction before the attendees. The atmosphere was lighthearted and fun, but it was clear that these Entrepreneurs and Professionals all meant business.

This month’s specially featured Entrepreneurs were members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences who came all the way from Mississippi by way of New Orleans:  Multi-Grammy Award winner, Ron Carbo, (Music Director for Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, as well as producer for New Kids On the Block and New Edition) along with his professional colleague and fellow Marine, Hazeal “Willie” Bookert, also a Recording Engineer-Producer. Both men shared brief stories about their work in the Recording Industry and answered questions from the audience. Hazeal holds the distinction of being the first African-American Drum Major in the U.S. Marines. Attendees were honored to share the evening with him, as demonstrated by the numerous photo requests for both him and Ron Carbo. The last activity of the evening was a live ‘mini-concert’ by Blaq Rose, who is lead singer of platinum recording artists “Levert” and “Who’s Who.”

The attendees enjoyed food, drinks, and even dancing. But what they seemed to enjoy the most were the quality networking opportunities. Top decision-makers were on hand to make and accept offers. Several entrepreneurs walked away with orders for their products and services – including Tiffany King, owner of Bumpers Cheesecakery. “I’m so glad I came. I had a great time and I got several orders for my Cheesecakes,” said King. Many others made valuable contacts to follow up with and forge relationships. When asked about his experience at the Mixer, Ron Carbo replied, “This is my first time ever coming to Youngstown. As a producer, I was really impressed with the talent that I saw. Willie [Bookert] and I definitely plan on coming back and possibly collaborating with some of the artists that we met.” When asked how she felt about doing the event at this new and private location, Host Debórah Benton stated, “Whenever you’re doing something a little different for the first time, you may have a hunch, but you don’t know for sure exactly how it will turn out.  Right away I can see a few bugs we have to fix, but they’re easy fixes that we are correcting immediately. But the most important thing did happen, and that was for creative, passionate, skilled and diverse people to make connections and expand their brands.  I’m pleased with our results, and I’m excited about the Mixers to come.”

The Biz & Entertainment Mixer with Debórah is a monthly professional networking event. The purpose of the event is to encourage economic and social development and business opportunities by connecting Northeast OH’s Entrepreneurs, Entertainers and Professionals with other Business Professionals around the world. The next Mixer is scheduled for Thursday September 19, 2019 from 6-8 PM.  September’s featured Entrepreneur is yet to be determined, but the live mini-concert will be performed by International Award-Winning Artist, G. C. Cameron. G. C. is especially known for his multi-octave vocal range, charismatic stage presence and timeless hits such as “It’s A Shame” by The Spinners and “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” from the movie Cooley High.  G. C.  is currently on tour with The Temptations as ‘Lead’ singer of iconic hits like “Papa Was A Rolling Stone,” “My Girl,”  “I Wish It Would Rain,” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,”  During a break from touring, he will travel to Youngstown to perform at the Biz & Entertainment Mixer with Debórah. This will be his second visit to the Valley. His first visit was in 2010 when he appeared on “The Debórah TV Show” which aired on CBS, Fox, and Time Warner affiliates as well as nationally via Dish Network.

Biz & Entertainment Mixer with Debórah

Thursday September 19, 2019 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Mini-Concert Guest Artist, G. C. Cameron

Featured Entrepreneur: TBD

Food / Drinks / Networking / Music

For location and reservation info, and for Press Inquiries:

www.anansistreet.com

[email protected]

330-269-5152