For Immediate Release:
Monday, July 18, 2005 

Boren Hosts African-American Business and Leadership Summit

WASHINGTON D.C - U.S. Representative Dan Boren hosted an African-American Business and Leadership Summit in Muskogee over the weekend.  The seminar consisted of several informational workshops to help business and community leaders promote minority business development.

 

Participants were offered workshop instruction on topics including: economic development resources, faith and grassroots advocacy, business development, tourism and economic development, and public service involvement.  Each workshop provided strategies for using available federal resources to cultivate and expand business opportunities. 

 

“There are mountains of federal resources available for business growth.  I want to make my office a bridge to local communities for economic development,” Boren said.  

 

Sam Combs, the President of ONEOK, was the keynote speaker.  ONEOK is a diversified energy company operating in the mid-continent areas of the United States. 

 

Boren also honored distinguished African-American youth from across the Second District with an “Excellence in Youth” award.  Recipients of the award were nominated on the basis of academic, leadership and community service skills.

 

“Rewarding hard work and accomplishment are important in the personal development of our youth.  I’m proud of our award recipients and their commitment to serving others and their community,” Boren said.

“Excellence in Youth” Students:

 

Haskell County:

 

• Andrea Fulsom, Kinta Public Schools
• Shervina Johnson, Kinta Public School
• Jasmin McCoy, Kinta Public Schools
• Shan Robinson, Kinta Public Schools
• Whitney Watson, Kinta Public Schools 

Okmulgee County:

 

• William Barnett, Okmulgee High School
• Brenay Hammon, Okmulgee High School
• Shirlanna Little, Okmulgee High School
• Aisha Lewis, Okmulgee High School

 

McCurtain County:

 

• SaiQueenau Braxton, Idabel High School
• Colette Carter, Idabel High School
• Raikaushna Golston, Idabel High School
• LaKeshea Ware, Idabel High School
• Kristal Wharry, Idabel High School

Pittsburg County:

 

• Ashland Boles, McAlester High School
• Ashley Boles, McAlester High School
• America Broadway, McAlester High School
• Paul Craig, McAlester High School
• Shalondra Harrison, McAlester High School
• Regan Henley, McAlester High School
• Megan Henley, McAlester High School
• Aaron Means Jr., McAlester High School
• Erick Moham, McAlester High School
• Rickey Moham Jr.

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