WDB Marketing Hosts 6th Annual L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Weekend
WDB Marketing Hosts 6th Annual L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Weekend honoring leaders in business and invests $30K+ in emerging Young Entrepreneurs
Chicago, February 6, 2023 — WDB Marketing celebrates its seventeenth year of black excellence in business with the official kick off to L.E.G.A.C.Y. Weekend, commencing with a 2-day business conference and climaxing with the sixth year annual L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Gala. This event takes place February 23rd to February 25th and is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Discover, Mariano’s and The Insurance Exchange. The theme this year is the ‘The Power of Connection’ and is projected to bring out over 1,000 Black-owned businesses throughout the city of Chicago.
The L.E.G.A.C.Y. Power Conference, February 23rd to 24th
As a prelude to The L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Gala, The L.E.G.A.C.Y. Power Conference, will take place in person at the Marriott Marquis, located at 2121 S. Prairie Ave., Chicago, IL. 60616 on Friday, February 24, 2023 from 9AM to 6PM. A virtual panel and conversations will be throughout the South Loop on Thursday, February 24, 2023. The L.E.G.A.C.Y. Power Conference is a 2-day event that will provide informational support to Black Business Owners in the areas of marketing, operations, legal structure and developing systems to scale and grow. This year will feature an access to capital area featuring lenders like JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America and a corporate matchmaking opportunity with brands including Mariano’s and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.
Conference panelists include Black-owned wine brand Chrishon Lampley, Mark Edmond cofounder of the Black Bread Company, David Anderson, international Investor, Tammera Holmes CEO of Aerostars, Keeana Barber, CEO of WDB Marketing and Julian Tillotson CEO of multi-million dollar video production company, Indirap.
WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Gala, February 25th
The weekend culminates with their signature event, the WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Gala, held this year at Soldier Field – United Club on February 25, 2023. The event recognizes businesses and community leaders making impactful strides in their respective communities and industries. The awards recognize leaders in the areas of (L)eadership, (E)ducation, (G)rowth, (A)dvocacy, (C)ommunity, and (Y)oung Entrepreneur. The young entrepreneur category features a live business pitch for a chance to win $30,000 in cash and prizes for their business. Past event honorees include: Monique Rodriguez, founder of Mielle Organics, Dr. Boyce Watkins, State’s Attorney Kim Foxx and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2022, Destiny Watson of You Matter 2.
In addition to celebrating excellence, the LEGACY Awards aims to promote economic stimulation to Black-owned businesses with their highly anticipated Black Restaurant Food Showcase, highlighting 20+ of Chicago’s most popular Black Owned Restaurants and spirits companies. This year’s showcase will include a Black-owned, woman-owned rum Halo 7, Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Two Fish, Chef Lamar Moore and Uncle Nearest to name a few.
Legacy and Impact
“The things you do for others remain as your legacy.” - Keeana Barber, CEO. As a young entrepreneur herself, Keeana Barber, CEO of WDB Marketing, understands the struggles young entrepreneurs have as emerging business owners. The Young Entrepreneur Pitch Contest, hosted ‘Shark Tank Style’ at the event, is an opportunity for entrepreneurs under the age of 25 years old to apply for the chance to competitively pitch alongside fellow young entrepreneur finalists, for the chance to win $30,000 in prizes supporting their business endeavors.
The goal of the LEGACY Awards is to create an event that not only celebrates Black entrepreneurs but provides economic impact and is a direct catalyst to success for all those involved. We invite you to celebrate with us. New ParagraphNew Paragraph
About WDB Marketing
WDB Marketing is a fully Black owned and operated print and marketing firm, dedicated to building the brands of Black small businesses daily. As fellow entrepreneurs, they pride themselves in understanding the needed celebratory moments of triumph and victory experienced as Black business owners. Established in 2006, WDB Marketing has proudly services over 1,000 businesses and entrepreneurs across industries annually. Industries served include retail, professional services, not for profits, and more. They believe good business is founded on a solid foundation of good relationships, providing event attendees with strategic business networking opportunities that positively impact the overall growth of all who attend.
