Presenter
Presented by Ms. Carlisle
WHEREAS, on November 5, 2005 the African American Entrepreneur Forum will sponsor a Business Showcase, "Out of the Darkness into the Light" with Connie Portis serving as the Mistress of Ceremony at the Pittsburgh Kingsley Association, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Portis is founder and president of Renaissance Publications, which publishes Pittsburgh Renaissance News, the Black Business Directory, a Resource Guide and the Women's Yellow Pages; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Portis began Renaissance Publications in 1984 striving to make a difference in her community. Renaissance Too Magazine was established to showcase black Pittsburgh's rich contribution to the building of the region. Renaissance News became a spin-off newspaper from the publications and along the way she added, "Womanpower," a seminar for women of color and the Black Extravaganza and Trailblazer Awards, Pittsburgh's premiere black tie awards show celebrating youth, business owners and civic leaders; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of Geneva College and currently Assistant Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity for the Auditor General of Pennsylvania, Connie Portis is a trailblazer and mentor to many in the region and on a national level. Connie Portis is a true entrepreneur and believes dreams take flight when the dreamer takes action; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Portis is dedicated to sharing ideas and information that position the African American community in mainstream Pittsburgh regardless of their social and economic status. She is a firm believer that all people contribute to the tapestry of building and sustaining a community.
Title
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council in the City of Pittsburgh commends and recognizes Connie Portis for her entrepreneur contributions and efforts in Pittsburgh and the region.