A Message From Our President - Lisa Ranglin, PMP, CSSGB »

Dear Members and supporters:

On behalf of our Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Black Business Association, I would like to personally thank you for playing such an important role in the formation of this Association. I am deeply honored to be the founder and first president of the Rhode Island Black Business association (RIBBA), and look forward to the challenges and opportunities on which we embark together.

The evolution of the black community in Rhode Island is not only driven by the challenges of its past, but also the opportunities of its present, and the promises of its future. I am humbled to stand on the shoulders of those who have paved the way for blacks and other minority groups who can own businesses and contribute to the state's economy.

I am extremely excited about the progress and potential of the Association. As its President, with the help of your committed Board of Directors, we will strive to develop and expand robust programs that will enhance minority owned businesses so they can build sustainable wealth, while also contributing to Rhode Island's economic development.

You, our members and supporters play an important role in the shaping of RIBBA into a dynamic, expanding, and results-orientated business Association. Since its inception, the Association has moved quickly and effectively in galvanizing the minority Business Community in working closer together than ever before.

A vital aspect of fostering successful business relationships with our membership community will be your commitment to use of the RIBBA newly enhanced website www.ri-bba.com, particularly the online business directory located under the "Membership" tab. The website will continue to be enhanced to provide valuable news, information, and resources to benefit the members and the community. Through the effective utilization of this powerful tool, you will be playing an important role introducing and advancing your potential in attracting more business within the association membership community.

I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve as president, and I look forward to working with each of you as we work to make the coming year successful for our minority business population. I recommend that you join today and get involved with RIBBA, as this can prove to be an effective way to raise your profile in the association and the community.

Lastly, RIBBA offers many opportunities for its members to get involved. Word of mouth marketing tends to be one of the strongest tools small business owners can employ. Every role is important to you. Thus, whether you prefer to be an attendee at an event, or a committee member whose obligations are greater, RIBBA has a place for you to shine and be successful.

If you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at lisaranglin@ri-bba.com. Again, thank you for your support and I look forward to your achievement of personal and financial success as a member of RIBBA.

Sincerely,