A Community Celebration in Honor of Clarence Hightower
Join us Tuesday, July 22, 2008 starting at 6:00 p.m., as we say farewell to a friend. Every once in a while, a person comes along who makes an impact in countless people’s lives.
Clarence Hightower is such a person.
Join the Minneapolis Urban League, Proactive Urban Initiatives and Front Street Public Relations for a Community Appreciation and Celebration for Mr. Clarence Hightower. The event will take place at the Minneapolis Urban League, Glover-Sudduth Center for Urban Affairs and Economic Development located at 2100 Plymouth Avenue North (corners of Penn Avenue and Plymouth Avenue N.), dinner will be provided and you are encouraged to reserve your individual ticket or table of 8 by calling Mr. Todd Barnes at (612) 302-3180. There is no cost to attend this event and community is welcomed to attend.
About Mr. Clarence Hightower:
Hightower, who had indicated his intention to explore his options after completing the agency’s 10-year strategic plan, told his staff and the MUL Board of Directors that he greatly appreciated the opportunity to work for the most important organization he’s ever been a part of and with some of the most dedicated social service professionals in the nonprofit sector. Hightower is proud of his tenure with the Urban League, noting that ten years ago, when first charged with implementing a strategic plan that called for the League to launch the first capital campaign in its history, he was determined to carry it out with distinction. The outcome was the construction of the Glover Sudduth Center for Economic Development and Urban Affairs on the north side, and the Sharon Sayles Belton Community Services Center on the south side. Both new centers have created a better atmosphere for staff, program participants, and the community.
Hightower helped the organization to restructure internally, which created a stronger focus on marketing. As a result, the Urban League is marketed in a way that it had not been before. There is now a higher visibility of the work of the Minneapolis Urban League, and the impact that it continues to have on its constituents and the city as a whole.
Just recently Mr. Hightower worked with the Board of Directors to complete a new Strategic Plan that will chart the course for the Minneapolis Urban League through December 31, 2011. “Although there is no perfect time, transition gives us the opportunity to change and grow. I will be leaving an organization that is sound and has a clear direction for its future,” says Hightower.
Hightower met this morning (June 24, 2008) with the League’s Executive Committee to thank them for their support over the years. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Chair Clayton Tyler offered the following statement: “The Board of Directors is deeply saddened by the resignation of Clarence Hightower. He has been an able steward of the Urban League for the past 10 years and has achieved many great accomplishments, among them an outstandingly successful capital campaign.” Vice Chair Cathy Wassberg stated: “The skills and energy that Clarence Hightower brought to the Minneapolis Urban League have been a tremendous asset and contributed immeasurably to our status as a premier service and advocacy organization. We wish him well in this next chapter of his life.” Tyler added that the Board will look forward to working with Mr. Hightower in the transition as they begin the task of identifying a new President/CEO.
Hightower will leave the Minneapolis Urban League after July 31 to assume the position of Executive Director with the Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties.
Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant Cooks up the “E” Family (Sunday June 29, 2008)
Momma and Papa Escovedo pictured with Twin City Business GM/VP Donald W.R. Allen,II on Sunday, June 29, 2008 at the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant in downtown Minneapolis.
The staff at Twin City Business doesn’t get out much, so when this rare opportunity to see Shelia E with her family at the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant came up, we jumped on it! (Visit the Dakota at www.dakotacooks.com for more information on upcoming events!)
Legendary percussionist Pete Escovedo is an artist who broke down the barriers between Smooth Jazz, Salsa, Latin Jazz, and contemporary music. He was joined by his wife, Juanita, daughter Shelia and her brother Juan to perform with their band. It was an experience and memory that we will never forget. Also joining the band was Minneapolis’ own Paul “St. Paul” Peterson from the Prince group “The Family,” and the local and world renowned Peterson Family. You can visit the Pete Escovedo Family website at www.peteescovedo.com.
Sunday’s performance was one of four shows put on at the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant in downtown Minneapolis. Before the legendary group start playing Papa Escovedo said, “Wow! It’s been great, but I’m glad this is the last show…I’m tired!”
Paul “St. Paul” Peterson & Don
Then it happened, the group started to play – the Dakota was filled with excitement, curiosity and pleasure so thick you could cut it with a knife! Twin City Business would like to leave you with pictures of the “E” Family and our very own, General Manager, V.P. - Donald W.R. Allen,II – in front of the camera.
Shelia E doing what she likes!
(A special thank you goes out to Ms. Dana Beasley for being kind enough to take the pictures and to her father, Mr. Freeman Beasley for being at the Dakota on Sunday night. God Bless You! J)
It’s Offical, Minneapolis Urban League President/CEO is Leaving
Offical Release provided by Lisa Bryant, Director of Communications/PR MUL
MINNEAPOLIS, June 24, 2008 — Ten years after taking over the position of President/CEO of the Minneapolis Urban League, Clarence Hightower today announced his resignation. Hightower will leave the Minneapolis Urban League after July 31 to assume the position of Executive Director with the Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties.
Hightower, who had indicated his intention to explore his options after completing the agency’s 10-year strategic plan, told his staff and the MUL Board of Directors that he greatly appreciated the opportunity to work for the most important organization he’s ever been a part of and with some of the most dedicated social service professionals in the nonprofit sector. Hightower is proud of his tenure with the Urban League, noting that ten years ago, when first charged with implementing a strategic plan that called for the League to launch the first capital campaign in its history, he was determined to carry it out with distinction. The outcome was the construction of the Glover Sudduth Center for Economic Development and Urban Affairs on the north side, and the Sharon Sayles Belton Community Services Center on the south side. Both new centers have created a better atmosphere for staff, program participants, and the community.
Hightower helped the organization to restructure internally, which created a stronger focus on marketing. As a result, the Urban League is marketed in a way that it had not been before. There is now a higher visibility of the work of the Minneapolis Urban League, and the impact that it continues to have on its constituents and the city as a whole.
Just recently Mr. Hightower worked with the Board of Directors to complete a new Strategic Plan that will chart the course for the Minneapolis Urban League through December 31, 2011. “Although there is no perfect time, transition gives us the opportunity to change and grow. I will be leaving an organization that is sound and has a clear direction for its future,” says Hightower.
Hightower met this morning with the League’s Executive Committee to thank them for their support over the years. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Chair Clayton Tyler offered the following statement: “The Board of Directors is deeply saddened by the resignation of Clarence Hightower. He has been an able steward of the Urban League for the past 10 years and has achieved many great accomplishments, among them an outstandingly successful capital campaign.” Vice Chair Cathy Wassberg stated: “The skills and energy that Clarence Hightower brought to the Minneapolis Urban League have been a tremendous asset and contributed immeasurably to our status as a premier service and advocacy organization. We wish him well in this next chapter of his life.” Tyler added that the Board will look forward to working with Mr. Hightower in the transition as they begin the task of identifying a new President/CEO.
Breaking News…Minneapolis Urban League President Clarence Hightower Resigns!
Breaking News…Minneapolis, MN. June 24, 2008 - In a shocking turn of events Minneapolis Urban League President/CEO Mr. Clarence Hightower resigned from the Minneapolis Urban League as its President/CEO. Details are not known why the local icon has decided to leave his post at the Minneapolis Urban League.
As details are forwarded to us we will keep you informed.
Former Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton Meets Mr. Bob Samuels!
Today a historic meeting took place in downtown Minneapolis.
The first Black Mayor of Minneapolis met the first Black Vice President of a major bank in the United States.
Former Mayor Sharon Sayles-Belton was greeted and welcomed by the UFSC founding chairman and the National Prostate Cancer Awareness Coalition founding chairman Mr. Bob Samuels. Mayor Sayles-Belton was at the Hyatt hotel to participate in the UFSC “Salute to Minneapolis Living Legends!” which also included David Anderson, the founder of Famous Dave’s of America, the legendary BBQ franchise; Hussein M. Samatar, Executive Director of the African Development Center and others.
This event also marks the Urban Financial Services Coalition’s chance to recognize Mr. Frank Sims by honoring him with the “Lifetime Achievement Award”. Mr. Sims is the former corporate vice president of Transportation for Cargill, Inc.
Opening remarks came from Mistress of Ceremonies Michelle Rooks, UFSC 2008 Conference Chair.
Mr. Samuels will be at the Minneapolis Urban League on Friday, June 20, 2008 for the “1st Annual Minneapolis Urban League Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education Day”, featuring a short lecture with information about Prostate Cancer from 4:30-6 p.m.
Join us in this history making event. Food and refreshments will be served.
For more information, call (612) 302-3100.
