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Building bridges is group's main intent

By ERNEST HOOPER
Published August 11, 2005

It began as an effort to help promote the 2006 African-American Business Directory, but a monthly networking gathering for African-American business folks is blossoming into its own force.

James Evans, executive director of the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope, holds his fifth networking event Aug. 25 at the new downtown Shark Bar and Restaurant, formerly Fuschia, at 102 N Tampa St. Attendance has grown each month, and Evans says there's a reason he's expecting about 200 people.

"The black community in Tampa is beginning to communicate, to do business with one another," Evans said. "They're listening and learning about their strengths and weaknesses, and they're finding hope in this. That's the link.

"People are starting to call and ask when is the next reception."

The directory has been around since 1999, but Evans' group wants to publish a bigger, better edition with 100,000 copies.

Evans added that while the events are creating bridges between among businesses, they are also helping the companies reach out to the community as a whole. White business owners are coming out because they realize networking has no racial boundaries.

"The leadership is emerging and becoming more aware of the struggles black businesses are facing," Evans said. "There is a resounding ring of hope in that the future is promising in this city. People are beginning to believe they can preserve their own existence in this city."

Evans' eloquence is real and reflects his passion about helping a community that sometimes doesn't appear to want to help itself. His kind of leadership is needed more in Tampa, and I'm hoping his efforts make a real difference.

The last time I wrote about the business directory, a caller said I would be outraged if someone was publishing a white business directory. What the person failed to realize is that the directory isn't about divisiveness. It's about the black business community trying to lift itself up, something many conservatives have long demanded.

And when African-American businesses thrive at a higher level, it's only going to help the whole community.

The event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Shark Bar, and there will be a free buffet and easy listening jazz. To RSVP, call (813) 277-0464.

As you may know, a committee is combing downtown for new Tampa Museum of Art sites. One possible site, I've been told, is the 71/2-acre parking lot next to the Florida Aquarium.

The idea makes sense for a lot of reasons. The aquarium and its parking lot are city owned, and the museum would work in tandem to attract tourists. It also would generate more rides on the trolley and be attractive to the numerous residential developments in the Channel District.

But there may be a hurdle to clear - the aquarium.

Thom Stork, aquarium president and chief executive officer, said Tuesday he's concerned because the parking lot has been earmarked for an aquarium expansion.

"I have mixed feelings on it," he said. "Critical mass is good for all business. The aquarium is a perfect example of that. As critical mass began to develop around the aquarium with the shops at Channelside and the port, everybody's business improved.

"But I am, of course, concerned for the future of the aquarium. I have to ensure that I have that space for future aquarium expansion."

Also in the news, some Democrats are courting former county Commissioner Phyllis Busansky to run for the 9th Congressional District seat being vacated by Mike Bilirakis. Bilirakis' son, Gus, already has filed to run, along with Plant City Democrat Greg Rublee.

Busansky would bring more experience and name recognition, but the question is: Does she have another race in her?

Busansky declined to comment on Tuesday, but her supporters tell me she is giving the race serious consideration.

That's all I'm saying.

Ernest Hooper can be reached at 813 226-3406 or Hooper@sptimes.com

[Last modified August 11, 2005, 00:42:17]