By Sonya Hollins, editor
editor@comvoicesonline.com
PORTAGE (Mich)-Ephren Taylor II, began his career with his first business venture as a videogame developer at the age of 12. By age 17 he built a multi-million dollar technology company, GoFerretGo.com. Today he is a Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author and the CEO of two publicly traded companies, one of which is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the “Top 100 Socially Conscious Corporations in the United States.”
Named by The Michigan Chronicle as one of the top “ten people making a global difference,” at 27 years old Taylor II is currently the youngest African-American CEO of any publicly traded company in United States history.
He will reveal business strategies from the viewpoint of “Becoming a Wealth Engineer” and establishing “Vision Driven Wealth,” during this week’s Kingdom Entrepreneurial Summit and Expo. The event runs from Thursday, Sept. 9-Saturday, Sept. 11 at at Valley Family Community Center, 995 Romence Road, Portage, MI.
During the event more than 50 businesses and vendors will sell products and services in the midst of valuable speakers who will share of business success and wealth building strategies. Joint-Heir Ministries in collaboration with various other Michigan-based entrepreneurs will host the first annual Kingdom Entrepreneurial Summit and Expo 2010, “Restoring Dominion in the Marketplace.”
“In business, everybody wants to increase their wealth. Your first thought is money, increase my bottom line. To do that, you need to increase customers, have marketing, sales strategies and good basic business principals. But, how do you do that in a way that accomplishes both spiritual and economic goals?
Those are the words of Michelle Carter, co-founder of Joint-Heir Ministries. After decades of helping businesses in both the non-profit and profit realm achieve success, she and husband, Anthony want to reach out to entrepreneurs on an innovative level. Both are Believers in Christ with a calling to the marketplace.
Their pulpit is the board rooms of tomorrows’ Fortune 500 companies. As entrepreneurs with more than 30 years combined experience in outreach ministry, exceptional executive leadership, nonprofit administration, project management and community development they graciously accept their marketplace assignment.
The conference www.kese2010.org was created through a visionary session of Joint- Heir Ministries and six partners in areas of nonprofit and for-profit businesses throughout Michigan such as Dr. Alicia R. Farris, New Beginnings Consulting Group, LLC; and Dwayne Powell, CEO of 3.16 Power Enterprise.
The format of the interactive expo is modeled after the Joseph Business School of Living Word Christian Center in Chicago which has plans to connect with Joint-Heirs Ministries as their Michigan affiliate according to the Carters.Internationally reknowned speakers and entertainers include Taylor II, Dr. Teresa Hairston, founder and publisher of Gospel Today Magazine, Rev. Dr. Addis Moore of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Kalamazoo, and gospel performers RiZen, Debra Perry and Majestic Praise.
Pastor Dan Willis from the TCT Network, talk show host of “I’m Just Sayin’,” will emcee Friday night’s Kingdom Business Development (KBD) Graduation Celebration event.
Dr. Hairston, shared her story on “I’m Just Sayin’” show on TCT Network the evening Carter tuned in. The single parent started a glossy magazine with a $300 investment. Today, the gospel-based magazine, Gospel Today magazine, is a multi-million dollar magazine. Hairston also is founder of The Gospel Heritage Foundation and producer of WOW Gospel Music.
Her motto is: “When God gives you a vision, He’ll make the provision!” Her favorite scripture is Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God, to those who the called according to His purpose.”0
“My goal in life is to use everything that I’ve been through, everything that I am and everything that I endeavor to do to glorify God and build His Kingdom,” Hairston said. “I want to help people understand that they can achieve their God-inspired visions. Just step out on faith, and watch God make the way.”
Carter said Hairston’s personal testimony inspired her to personally contact Harrison to become a part of this conference. Hairston’s one day, Boot Camp for Entrepreneurs will get entrepreneurs moving in their right direction through implementation of the Laws of Greatness.
On Friday, Sept. 10, Breakout Power Sessions will include teachings from successful entrepreneurs from Michigan and Illinois and will share everything from how to pursue your purpose, to how to examine your business, your team and marketing strategies.
That same evening 20 new entrepreneurs will graduate from the nine-month Kingdom Business Development Program Series (KBD). Carter founded Kingdom Business Development in 2009 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church and helped establish more than 30 businesses over the past 18 months. Keynote speaker for the graduation is Rev. Dr. Addis Moore, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Kalamazoo.
Carter said the vision for the conference has gone beyond their expectations. Those who have supported in the efforts include underwriters such as: Comerica Bank, LISCDetroit, NAACP Metropolitan Kalamazoo Chapter; PowerLink, WLLA TV 64, Fortitude Graphic Design and Printing, Greater Faith Empowerment Center, and others.
Valley Family Community Center, where the Kingdom Building Development classes are held, opened their doors for the 2010 KESE Conference.
“(Valley Family Community Center) had been a great supporter,” said Carter. “Pastor Jeff Jones will do opening prayer on Thursday night, Portage Mayor Pete Strazdas will offer an Official Welcome from City of Portage and will provide a proclamation…this is truly a blessing.”
Carter said those in business and burgeoning entrepreneurs must be open to receive alignment and growth, and our guests featured at the conference will provide the wisdom, knowledge, strategies, motivation, past experience and resources necessary for us to gain market share. She says, “we recognize unemployment in Michigan is in the double-digits and the economy is hurting. However, those with visions of starting or expanding their businesses should not let that deter them. She further stated, “research shows that small businesses generate 65 percent of new jobs, which we desperately need to create throughout the country and entrepreneurship is one method of creating new jobs.”
Through their consulting the Carters have learned that entrepreneurs and business owners from within the faith community want an atmosphere to network in that is spiritually based and provides hands-on interaction. Carter said, “after the conference JTM will continue to meet the needs of business owners and burgeoning entrepreneurs through the Kingdom Business Network(C) also being unveiled during the 2010 KESE Conference.
“It’s time for new ideas, new energy and opportunities,” Carter said. “Its time for new ideas to be revealed, embraced and implemented.”
“This conference is just the beginning. We will continue to bring in speakers from around the world; global leaders to help us impact the marketplace and help grow Michigan’s economy.”
For more information on vendor space, event registration, visit: www.kese2010.org. For information regarding Kingdom Business Development classes, visit: www.gaccs.com
