FT. LAUDERDALE – Prominent business leaders, Black professionals and entrepreneurs convened in South Florida, on Tuesday, November 18 to witness the launch of ICABA, a new multimedia brand that seeks to identify, connect and activate accomplished Blacks around the world. During the launch reception, ICABA unveiled an integrated marketing platform that includes a multifaceted Website with a social networking component, print directories and signature events.
“There was a need for an integrated platform that would connect and activate business relationships among accomplished Blacks,” stated Jerome Hutchinson Jr., Chief Executive Officer of ICABA Media Holdings, LLC. “ICABA was created to enable accomplished Black professionals and entrepreneurs to develop partnerships, pursue business opportunities and obtain information that supports their goals and aspirations.”
ICABA, stands for identifying, connecting and activating the Black accomplished.
The website, http://www.icabaonline.com, features pictorial directories, video profiles, a lifestyle TV channel, blogs, video conferencing and a social networking component to promote new relationships.
A print publication, to be published quarterly, profiles accomplished individuals and organizations, and serves as a directory for Black professionals and entrepreneurs.
Signature events, including art shows, recognition receptions and group travel excursions, will take place in local markets to strengthen the alliances of those in the network.
“ICABA offers a mix of online and offline networking opportunities to encourage a greater sense of interconnectivity and increase business opportunities for those within the Black community,” said Hutchinson. “It also provides a marketing vehicle to companies desiring an interactive relationship with affluent Black consumers.”
The ICABA Team: (Standing L-R) Charles Smart, Cornelius Green, Jonathan Edwards, (Seated L-R) Dhaima Smart, Jerome Hutchinson Jr. and Dianne Williams
With plans in place to grow the ICABA brand in 2009, local events, directories and Web content will launch in Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Louisville, Washington, DC and internationally, in Jamaica.
James Tarlton, President and CEO of The Broward Alliance, Peggy Nordeen, President of Starmark International and John Ruffin, President and CEO of Ruffin Associates were among the business professionals at the ICABA launch reception.
