Professionals’ Gala At Porcao

Hundreds of professionals from a myriad of industries, celebrities, and political leaders came together to celebrate with their colleagues, the hard work that has been accomplished this year and to discuss onward and upward plans for future successes.

Photo Caption: (L-R)  Tony Herbert, CEO of The Professionals and charismatic host of the evening’s festivities and Vinny Brown, Program Director for WBLS

The Professionals Network Organization and The Hispanic Professionals Networking Group in association with North Fork Bank and Stoli Russian Vodka, presented their N.Y.S.E. (New York Social Exchange) Holiday Cocktail Gathering at Porâco Churrascaria, located at 360 Park Avenue South in Manhattan.  It was a regal affair.  Hundreds of professionals from a myriad of industries, celebrities, and political leaders came together to celebrate with their colleagues, the hard work that has been accomplished this year and to discuss onward and upward plans for future successes.

Tony Herbert, CEO of The Professionals Network Organization and host of the gala was in full form, displaying his signature charisma and eloquence as he embraced his guests with warmth and appreciation.

2006 Honorees included Bronx Borough President, Hon. Adolfo Carrion, Jr., Brenda Blackmon, Anchor of MY9 News – WORTV, Vinny Brown, Program Director of WBLS 107.5 FM, Lloyd Grant of The KIP Business Report, the producers and cast of the hit Broadway Production, The Color Purple, Larry Scott Blackmon, Assistant Commissioner NYC SBS, Christopher J. Williams, CEO of Williams Capital Group, which is a minority-owned investment banking company, National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment, National Sales Network NJ/NY Metro Chapter, NY/NJ Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc., Congressman Gregory Meeks, US House of Representatives 6th District NY, Mr. Galen D. Wright and Porcâo.

Jeannette Bayardelle, who plays the role of Celie in the hit musical, The Color Purple, accepted the prestigious TPNO Professionalism in Theater/Arts Award on behalf of the producers and cast of the hit Broadway Production, The Color Purple.  Immediately thereafter, Ms. Bayardelle graced the adoring guests with a ravishing performance of the selection, “I’m Here” from the hit Broadway show. 

Upon accepting his award, Lloyd Grant of The KIP Business Report stated, “The Professionals’ belief and commitment that we are worth the time and energy it takes to bring each other together merits great honor, respect and they deserve our support.”

Vinnie Brown, Program Director of WBLS, upon accepting his award, expressed great appreciation for TPNO’s work and achievement, and vowed his continuing support of TPNO.  Mr. Brown has previously given TPNO $1,000,000 worth of radio promotion on WBLS.  Mr. Brown also gave homage to Percy Sutton, who co-founded the Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, which purchased WLIB-AM, making it the first Black-owned station in New York City.  Inner City Broadcasting Corporation also owns of WBLS radio.  Percy Sutton also rescued The Apollo Theatre back in 1981 and is a hero and supporter of economic empowerment and the Harlem Renaissance.

Maxine Campbell was announced, The Professional Network Organization’s Regional Vice President. Responsible for Phoenix, AZ, Chicago, IL, Atlanta, GA, San Antonio, TX, Pittsburgh, PA, Indianapolis, IN, St. Louis, Missouri, Austin, TX, Ft. Lauderdale, FL., Port St. Lucie, FL., Washington DC and Philadelphia, PA.  Brenda Jeanne Wyche was announced The Professional Network Organization’s Vice President in charge of Public Relations.

The Professionals Network Organization (TPNO) was established in 1996 by Tony Herbert, along with several business associates. The key function of TPNO is to provide young, upwardly mobile minorities with opportunities to gain access to resources and information that will allow them growth and realization of the “American dream” by becoming part of an ownership society. 

On December 4th of this year, The Professionals Network Organization in conjunction with The Fort Greene Volunteers of Brooklyn, NY, embarked upon a phenomenal new initiative – the first of its kind — The Central Brooklyn Youth Council (CBYC). This group of youth [the CYBC] will play host to well over 5,000 plus Brooklyn youths from various ethnic backgrounds and cultures.
 
The CBYC is primarily designed to engage all Brooklyn Youth in positive activities, dialogue and programs designed to shape them into responsible citizens. Issues such as Teen Pregnancy, Gang Violence and STDs will be addressed in ongoing dialogue amongst the youth. Professional organizations will contribute their members’ time to volunteer as mentors.

The Central Brooklyn Youth Council’s governing body (of youth), will replicate the State, City and Federal Legislatures.  “This structure will give youth from our community insight on how non-partisan government works and will educate and motivate them with regards to the importance of the voting process,” stated Tony Herbert, CEO of TPNO and co-Founder of CBYC. Some of the youth will actually assume governmental titles and responsibilities within the CBYC.

Juan Barguil, CEO of Sunflower Music Entertainment and CFO of ARC Music Group stated, regarding TPNO’s Central Brooklyn Youth Council initiative, “It is a noble initiative – an initiative that we must come together as one to support our youth.”  Mr. Barguil has a mentorship in Sunflower Music where he goes one-on-one with youth who aspire to be in the music business and appreciates the idea of involving his mentees in select TPNO initiatives.

Porâco Churrascaria is nothing shy of a venue fit for royalty – providing an ambiance of elegance, delicious food and exquisite service.

The Professionals Networking Organization’s Holiday Cocktail Gathering was sponsored by Porâco Churrascaria, North Fork Bank, Sepia Skincare, The Network Journal, Republicans for Black Empowerment, Moving Forward Magazine, IAB Marketing Associates, JOLIE, The New York Young Democrats Caucus of Color, Concepts, The KIP Business Report and The Black Star News.  Complementary cocktails were provided by STOLI Vodka.

To subscribe to or advertise in New York’s leading Pan African weekly investigative newspaper, please call (212) 481-7745 or send a note to [email protected]
“Speaking Truth To Empower.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *