Earlier this month, we hosted our 2023 Annual Community and Business Luncheon at The Rivers Casino Grand Ballroom. This year’s event theme was “Expanding Economic Opportunity in Neighborhoods,” and we were honored to host many of our community partners, small business owners we’ve helped, and community leaders – including Allegheny County Executive Elect Sara Innamorato as our keynote speaker.
It was a memorable afternoon full of networking, great food and, most importantly, meaningful presentations on how we can continue to make a positive impact on small businesses and neighborhoods in Allegheny County.
If you weren’t able to join us – or even if you’d like to relive the day’s festivities – here are some of the event’s biggest highlights.
- Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive Elect, served as our keynote speaker and discussed the key role that CDFIs like us play in our local economy, as well as how she plans to help support underserved small businesses and neighborhoods throughout the county.
- Owners of small businesses we’ve supported through startup loans – Talonda Embry of Love for All Barbershop, Lamont Sherrell of Sidewalk Café, Johnny and Grecia Diaz of Snack Ever, and Tina Daniels of Concrete Rose Construction – made impactful, emotional presentations on how we helped make their entrepreneurial dreams come true.
- Mark Masterson, our executive director, was honored with an award from the Western Pennsylvania Small Business Administration (SBA). We are proud to say we were the leading SBA microloan lender in fiscal year 2023.
- Walter Nalducci, our Board Chairman, presented a special plaque of recognition to the widow of our former board member Thomas M. Despres, who passed away earlier this year.
Once again, we’d like to thank our partners, clients and friends who spent the afternoon with us. It was truly an unforgettable day that strengthened our shared commitment to grow small businesses and revitalize neighborhoods.
We can’t wait to see you all at next year’s event!
Check out some highlights from our 2023 Annual Event
