The Lansing Black Chamber of Commerce (LBCC) , a subsidiary of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce celebrated their 2nd Annual Community Pillar Awards celebration on Saturday, April 26th. The purpose of the event is to recognize the contributions made by dedicated black business leaders in our community. The first year LBCC recognized, Rina Risper of The New Citizens Press, Liz from Liz’s Alterations, Mr. Alvin Sharpe from Ashley’s Exclusively for Men, Beau Williams of BW’s Hair Salon and Tyrone Sanders of Elite Socialite Events.
At this year’s 2014 Community Pillar Awards gala honored the following five esteemed individuals for their invaluable contributions to Greater Lansing and the State of Michigan: Wendell Barron, Barbara Roberts Mason, James W. Butler III, Renee Freeman and A. Gregory Eaton.
This year’s sold-out event titled, “Building Pillars That Lift a Community”, was held at the exclusive Country Club of Lansing. Special guest for the evening was Gerald Moore, Michigan District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration. Tony Baltimore, with the Office of Congressman Mike Rodgers, served as the Master of Ceremonies.
LBCC operates within the framework of its 5 Pillars of Service, including Advocacy, Access to Capital, Chamber Development, Best Practices and Contracting. This framework allows the LBCC to focus its efforts on identifying resources and business opportunities that enhances the growth and prosperity of its members, benefitting the entire community. Each year the LBCC pays homage to community members who embody the 5 Pillars of Service. Therefore, it is befitting that each individual aligned these five pillars be recognized by the LBCC for all of their work and dedication to the community. We are proud to honor the accomplishments of these worthy individuals, who have all exhibited a longstanding commitment to supporting the Greater Lansing business community.
1. Wendell Barron: Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Wendell Barron has been a driving force in the Greater Lansing as the owner of courtesy Ford in Okemos Michigan. Barron never let obstacles stop him for him achieving his dream. The importance of diversity has been an integral part of Mr. Baron’s life having experienced the segregated school system in Jackson, Mississippi.
With a commitment to his education Mr. Baron received a B. S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University and was employed by Ford Motor Company following his graduation. In 1985, Baron set out on new heights launching a career in entrepreneurship after purchasing his first Ford dealership in Lansing, Michigan.
Baron has shown a commitment to community service by serving on a number of boards, including the Board of Directors of Physicians Health Plan; Sparrow Health Systems Human Resources; Howard University School of Business Advisory Board; the Board of Directors of the Ford Mercury minority dealers Association. Baron is a past president of the Michigan Auto Dealers Association and chairman of the Greater Michigan Ford Dealers Associations, in both cases he was the first African-American to hold these positions. Mr. Baron is an emeritus member of the Board of Directors of Sparrow Health Systems after serving for nine years; former president of the Lansing United Negro College fund; life member of the NAACP and current a member of Omega Psi Phi and Alpha Chi Boule fraternities.
2. Barbara Roberts Mason: Ground-breaking Educator and International Ambassador
World traveler and diplomat, representing Greater Lansing around the globe, Detroit-native Barbara Roberts Mason leadership has been felt locally from the early days of Model Cities in the 1960s to her current community involvements.
With a successful career in education underway, in 1974, she was elected to the State Board of Education where she held office for 24 years. She is the only African-American woman ever elected to the State Board of Education and the only person to have served 24 years on the Board. A global leader in education and a driving force behind countless education reforms and innovations.
As president of the Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission for over 15 years, Mason has been actively involved with activities related to Lansing’s sister and friendship cities. She has led the LRSCC in a regional approach to global initiatives and collaboration in educational, business and cultural exchanges that go beyond its official sister cities.
Mason led the Michigan Goodwill Mission to Shiga, Japan, led a delegation to Germany to study their education system, and led missions to Japan and Korea, which did comparative studies of American, Japanese and Korean education. She has traveled to Germany, as a consultant for the US Dept. Of Defense, to accredit US military based schools and also served as a guest lecturer for the Baden-Wurtembeg, Germany Leadership Academy. In addition she co-led a delegation to Lanzhou, Bejing and Shanhai, China and has led several delegations to Africa, including Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana and South Africa. In 2013, Ms. Mason led a delegation to meet with His Excellency President John Mahama in Ghana and facilitated his signing of a Joint Declaration of Economic and Cultural Cooperation between the Republic of Ghana and the State of Michigan. Governor Snyder signed the Declaration prior to her trip.
3. James Butler III, Fearless American Hero and Committed Public Servant
American hero, esteemed leader, innovative policy maker, public servant, and dedicated family man, these are just a few of the attributes to describe James W. Butler, III. Butler is a decorated Vietnam War veteran. He served as a Platoon Sergeant in the U.S. Army and earned many honors during his tour of duty, including the Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart (2) and the Bronze Star(4) with Oak Leaf Clusters for heroism in ground combat, indicating four separate awards of this prized medal.
Butler completed degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia. After bravely serving his county, Butler went on to work in leadership at IBM, serving for over 30 years. Business Unit Executive for Global Government Systems, he recently oversaw a $200 Million operation for IBM in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.
Translating his corporate skills to the public sector, Mr. Butler was appointed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, and confirmed by the Senate, as Vice President of the Michigan Broadband Development Authority in February 2003. The Authority, created by PA 49 of 2002, offers low-cost loans to telecommunications companies willing to make investments in high-speed internet, and to organizations to acquire hardware/software applications that improve or increase broadband service. In May 2007, Butler accepted the position as Director of the newly created Urban Revitalization Division within the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
His tenacity and commitment to his community has been further exemplified though the many awards and commendations he has received throughout his career, as well as the service he has provided on numerous boards and community organizations such as Michigan Agent Orange Commission (Commissioner), Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (Board of Directors & Chairman of the Board), Sparrow Hospital (Board of Directors & Vice Chairman & Chairman of the Board), Sparrow Foundation (Board of Directors) Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (Board of Directors and Member), Junior Achievement (Board of Directors), Greater Lansing Urban League (Board of Directors).
4. Renee Freeman: Dedicated Public Sector Leader and Entrepreneur
City of Lansing Mayor, Virg Bernero has attributed much of his longevity, political success and achievements as an elected leader to longtime staff member, Renee Freeman. Working unselfishly to be the driving force behind one of American’s most notable Mayors, Freeman shows political acumen and savvy stemming from years of dedicated service and experience.
Freeman, a native Detroiter began her career in the non-profit sector at the Michigan Association for Children with Emotional Disorders (MACED), a United Way affiliate organization that advocates for families and children with emotional disorders. While maintaining employment at MACED, Freeman devoted fourteen years as a small business owner of Fort Knox Jewelry, a retail jewelry store and Freeman Munchies, a food concession kiosk specializing in pita pizza.
Transitioning into the government sector, Freeman embarked on a journey with then, Representative Virg Bernero, who represented the 23rd District which included the City of Lansing and parts of lngham County. She essentially served as lead office administrator, responsible for his schedule, managing the functions of the office, supervision of staff, interns and volunteers. Freeman after serving two years in the Michigan House of Representatives, transitioned with Bernero to the Michigan State Senate. In January 2006, the journey continued. When Senator Virg Bernero was elected by the people to serve as Mayor of the City of Lansing, Freeman again made the transition with him as he entered City Hall. In addition to her expansive mayoral office administration duties, she also serves as the staff liaison for the Greater Lansing Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and Silver Bells in the City. She oversees special events such as the Mayors’ Ramadan Unity Dinner, Capital Area Seniors Activity Fair, Mayor’s Riverwalk and works closely with the Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission to plan international events and host dignitaries.
For more than eight years, Freeman has served the community through her involvement with The Greater Lansing Area National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. where she holds the position of Membership Chairperson and has honorably served as the Chairperson of its annual Founders’ Day Awards Brunch for the past several years. In addition, Freeman serves on various prestigious board and committees, and has been awarded with commendation for her service to the community.
5. Gregory Eaton: Renaissance Man and Political Pioneer
Mr. Gregory Eaton is well known to Lansing-area residents as a pioneering African-American lobbyist. Eaton is a Legislative Consultant with 42 years of experience in various interests, and is the first African-American lobbyist & partner with a multi-client lobbying firm.
In additions his lobbying pursuits, Eaton is an innovative entrepreneur, with ownership for two decades of the highly prosperous Greg’s Janitorial Service and partnership in housing projects in Sturgis and Three Rivers. Eaton is also owner of Lansing’s nightspot, “Gregory’s Ice & Smoke”; The Detroit-based Metro Cars, luxury car service. Eaton is a partner and businessman in numerous other ventures and investments.
Eaton’s love for the Lansing community is a continuation of a beautiful family tradition and legacy of African- American entrepreneurship, which has spanned three generations. The City of Lansing and the state of Michigan have benefited greatly through the influence and dedicated efforts of Mr. Gregory A. Eaton and his exemplary family.
Through his example and leadership others have been inspired to greater achievements and the people of Lansing and Michigan have been well served. His deep dedication to Michigan State University is evidenced by his loyal and strong support of the university’s excellent athletic program and his humanitarian interest in encouraging young people to attend MSU through his personal recruiting efforts and his contributions to scholarships such as the MSU Black Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. In addition, Eaton serves on a number of boards, such as The Accident Fund, and is a member of numerous community and service organizations.
The Lansing Black Chamber is the fastest-growing organization for black business professionals in the Mid-Michigan area. To join this organization or to find out more information regarding membership visit www.Lansingblackchamber.com or call 517- 485-8284.
This was printed in the May 4, 2014 – May 17, 2014 edition.
