Scott V Bruner

City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Licensing

Chicago, Illinois

Scott V Bruner, Director

Scott V. Bruner was named Director of the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Licensing on March 11, 2005, after serving as Director of the Mayor’s License Commission and Local Liquor Control Commission since June, 2004.

The Department of Business Affairs and Licensing is a new department designed to simplify access to City services for businesses and providing them with a single point of contact. It merges the License Commission and Local Liquor Control Commission; the Business Services and Investigations Divisions of the Department of Revenue; and Mayor Daley’s Business Express Program from the Department of Planning and Development.

Bruner joined the Mayor’s Office in February of 2003 as a liaison to the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications. He worked with these and other city agencies in helping formulate policy and legislative initiatives dealing with crime and public safety.

Bruner, a graduate of Harvard Law School, graduated Cum Laude from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History with a minor in Music.

"The effective management of conflict between residents and businesses begins with the permitting and licensing process. Presenting clear expectations upfront assists businesses know the rules and community standards. Creating a "concierge" government that asks "how can we help" instead of "who can we blame or punish" is what will define the future as cities emerge to more densely populated art, entertainment and cultural centers."

Split-use - Thursday, December 7 - 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Otis Clay

Chicago, Illinois

Otis Clay, Singer, Producer, Recording Artist

Otis Clay is one of the premier deep soul singers working today. His raw, fiery gospel-infused vocals drive an energetic and danceable blend of soul, r&b and blues in the tradition of such deep soul singers as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Solomon Burke.

A master showman, Otis Clay stays in demand for festival and concert appearances in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Noteworthy recent appearances include headlining The Japan Blues and Soul Festival Tour, headlining the opening night and being Honorary President of The Blues Passions Festival in Cognac, France and a special guest appearance at The Chicago Emmy Awards

Born in Waxhaw, Mississippi, Clay began his career in gospel singing with groups such as The Pilgrim Harmonizers, The Gospel Songbirds and the legendary Sensational Nightingales. His recording of “When The Gates Swing Open” was a hit in the mid-80’s and is included on The Gospel Truth cd released on Blind Pig Records. Both “When The Gates Swing Open” and The Gospel Truth remain staples on gospel radio today. As a singer and producer, Otis Clay remains very active in gospel. A new gospel cd is forthcoming.

Clay’s first soul recordings made in the mid-60s for George Leaner’s One-derful label in Chicago launched and established his career. A series of hit singles including “Trying To Live My Life Without You” produced by Willie Mitchell in Memphis for Hi Records followed in the ‘70’s. Otis has also recorded for the Cotillion, Kayvette, Elka and Rounder labels as well as his own Echo Records. The intensity and passion of his live shows are captured on Soul Man: Live in Japan (Rounder) and Respect Yourself (Blind Pig) recorded live at The Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland. His new cd which features the classic song,“Walk A Mile In My Shoes” will be released in January.

A long time resident of Chicago’s West Side, Otis Clay is actively involved as a board member of People For New Direction, a community-based non-profit creating economic initiatives to address a number of issues on the West Side. People For New Direction consists of West Side businessmen and women, doctors, ministers and others who believe strongly in giving something back to the community where they live and work.

As Chairman of The Board of the non-profit Tobacco Road, Inc. (TRI, Inc.), Otis was heavily involved in the extensive planning, fundraising, underwriting and development of The Harold Washington Cultural Center at 47th St. and King Drive which has served as the cornerstone of the revitalization and redevelopment of the historic Bronzeville neighborhood. The Cultural Center is built on the former site of The Regal Theatre, the legendary venue for national and Chicago-based r&b, soul, blues, jazz, big band and comedy stars.

The Harold Washington Cultural Center features the state-of-the-art 1,000 seat Com-Ed Performing Arts Theatre, a radio and t.v. production studio and a music business education program plus the Comcast-IIT Digital Media Center which has online broadcast capability for the Theatre.

Heritage Music and Entertainment
Wednesday, December 6 - 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Chicago Police department

Chicago, Illinois

Ralph Chiczewski, Deputy Chief of the Central Control Group

With 33 years of service in the Chicago Police Department, Ralph Chiczewski has helmed numerous commands including the Rush Street Entertainment District, the Intelligence Section, and the Vice Control Section, which includes investigation of and department recommendations for liquor license applications.

Currently Deputy Chief of the Central Control Group, Chiczewski’s command encompasses Traffic Section, Mounted and Bicycle Units and the first and eighteenth police districts. He works hard to ensure a high quality of life for both residents and esteemed visitors in an area containing world-renown attractions that draw millions of tourists annually, including sports venues, amenities and large scale festivals such as the Taste of Chicago.
Deputy Chief Chiczewski earned a Bachelors Degree from DePaul University, a Masters Degree in Criminal Social Justice from Lewis University and has extensive management and senior executive training from the Northwestern University School of Staff and Command and the University of Illinois at Chicago respectively.

In 2003 Chiczewski was presented a Resolution of Merit by Mayor Richard M. Daley at Chicago’s City Council.

Magnet Projects - Friday, December 8 - 10:15-11:45 am

Heidi coleman

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Washington, DC

Heidi Coleman, Chief, Impaired Driving Division

Heidi Coleman joined the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 1982 as a member of its Office of Chief Counsel.  Over a 20-year period, she served as Counsel, Senior Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsel to NHTSA’s highway safety programs.  She also served, in 1992, as a Congressional Fellow with the U.S. House of Representatives, Public Works and Transportation Committee. 

From November 2002 – June 2003, she served as NHTSA’s Regional Administrator for the agency’s New England Region.  Then, in June of 2003, she became NHTSA’s Chief of Impaired Driving.  In this position, she coordinates agency efforts to develop, demonstrate, promote, implement and evaluate programs and activities designed to reduce impaired driving.

 Heidi received her Bachelor’s degree from SUNY at Buffalo, in Buffalo, NY, and her law degree from George Washington University.  She is a member of the bar in DC and Maryland.

Split-use - Thursday, December 7 - 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Late-night Integrated Transportation
Thursday, December 7 - 3:45 - 5:30 pm

Sheila J. Daniels

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Manhattan, New York

Sheila J Daniels, Senior Program Director

Sheila J. Daniels has over twenty years of community and economic development experience. As the Senior Program Director for the Local Initiatives Support Corporation’s Center for Commercial Revitalization, she has oversight of one of LISC’s three economic development strategic business units. The Center provides technical assistance, training, and resource materials to communities in support of their neighborhood business district revitalization efforts.

Ms. Daniels previously served as the Executive Director of St. Paul’s Community Development Corporation in Paterson, NJ where, in addition to the various community services the organization provided, she also served as the CEO for its community-based janitorial business which employed community residents. Her previous experience also includes employment as a Project Manager for the New York State Urban Development Corporation, Budget Analyst for the City of New York - Community Development Block Grant Division, and Data Analyst for the City of Jersey City’s Department of Housing and Economic Development.
She earned a BA in Political Science and Public Administration from New Jersey City University and a MBA with a concentration in Finance and Real Estate from Rutgers University Graduate School of Management.

Ms. Daniels has fourteen years of volunteer community and professional service through the New Jersey Chapter of the National Black MBA Association where she served as President for seven years. She was co-founder and presiding partner for the Sisters Working & Investing Funds Together investment club as well as co-founder of the NJ Leaders of Tomorrow high school enrichment program.

Split-use - Thursday, December 7 - 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

David Feehan

International Downtown Association

Washington, District of Columbia

David Feehan, President

Dave Feehan has devoted more than 35 years to rebuilding and revitalizing cities. He has directed downtown programs in Des Moines, Detroit, and Kalamazoo, and neighborhood development programs in Pittsburgh and Minneapolis. He helped found and served as the first director of the Citizens League of Southwestern Pennsylvania, a Pittsburgh-based regional public policy organization. Dave has been active in the International Downtown Association (IDA) for 15 years, and the programs he has directed have won several awards, from IDA, the International Parking Institute, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He has also assisted a number of cities as a consultant, including New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Miami Beach.  Dave holds a Masters Degree in Social Work Planning and Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa and Metropolitan State University.

Split-use - Thursday, December 7 - 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Prince Gilliard

Licensed Tavern & Merchants Association

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Prince Gilliard, President

Prince A. Gilliard attended Temple University School of Criminology, while serving with The Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit under the leadership of Captain Clarence Ferguson. In the early sixties, Prince moved to the Los Angeles, California area, where he developed and served as the President of his own Detective Agency.

Prince is a long standing member of White Rock Baptist Church, serving actively on the Board of Trustees and various other organizations within the Church Family. Mr. Gilliard has been actively involved with the West Philadelphia Branch of the Y.M.C.A. and continues to serve as a member of the Y.M.C.A. Board of Operations for the entire Philadelphia area and its 112 satellite schools.

Mr. Gilliard has also been involved in Black Family Services, Board of Crises Intervention Network, Red Cross Disaster Team and the North Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. He is also the current President of the Philadelphia Licensed Tavern and Merchants Association and the Philadelphia Hospitality & Business Alliance. As an entrepreneur, Prince has owned and operated businesses in West and North Philadelphia. Prince now maintains Prince’s 1500 Jazz Lounge on 15th & Fairmount Ave., where he continues to serve his many friends and community.

Heritage Music and Entertainment
Wednesday, December 6 - 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Kathryn Graham

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

London, Ontario

Kathryn Graham, Senior Scientist

Kathryn Graham (Ph.D, Psychology, UWO, Canada) is a Senior Scientist and Head of Social Factors and Prevention Interventions at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in London, Ontario, Canada and Professor (adjunct) in the Department of Psychology at the University of Western Ontario. Her current research focuses on the role of alcohol in aggressive behaviour, the social context of aggression and gender differences in the relationship of alcohol and aggression and includes the development and evaluation of the Safer Bars intervention to reduce aggression in licensed premises. In 2002, Dr. Graham received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for her contributions to applying research knowledge to community interventions.

"My personal experience is in working with bar staff and management in preventing and managing aggressive behavior. As part of this, I have observed several things. First, there are some staff who are tremendously skilled and knowledgeable about how to keep things peaceful but others who are inexperienced, unskilled or simply wrong in their methods of dealing with people - and they need to be trained. I have also found that it is usually the smartest and most business-oriented owners and managers who are the first to take up available training for their staff. Finally, there appears to be a strong relationship between what takes place in a bar or club and what occurs outside on the streets - problems spill both out the doors as well as in the doors. Therefore a coordinated effort is often needed when licensed premises are clustered, for example, in entertainment areas."

Split-use - Thursday, December 7 - 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Charlie Johnson

Johnson Consulting

Chicago, Illinois

Charlie Johnson, President

Johnson Consulting is a professional services firm specializing in convention/conference centers, hotels, sports facilities, tourism, fairgrounds, performing arts centers, casinos, golf courses, and other real estate land uses. Our firm works with both public and private sector partners. We perform planning strategies, market and feasibility studies, economic and fiscal impact studies, develop business plans, perform surveys, conduct operational and organizational studies, perform tax analyses, and manage the process of obtaining and negotiating with developers for government agencies. We assist all aspects of the early stages of the development process, taking projects from a concept study to asset management for an owner.

Charles Johnson is an internationally recognized consultant in the tourism and hospitality field. He grew up in Florida and spent his first eight years of consulting at Laventhol and Horwath in Orlando and Tampa. Subsequently, he was National Director for Convention, Sports, and Tourism Consulting for Tampa-based KPMG. He has worked on a myriad of real estate projects and specializes in urban public and public/private relationships. He has worked extensively internationally, most notably in Asia, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Johnson has worked on over 600 consulting assignments in the U.S. and abroad. His prior experience includes convention center/hotel studies in Fresno, CA; Palm Springs, CA; Bellevue, WA; Ft. Worth; TX: Austin, TX; Portsmouth, VA; and Boston, MA. He is currently working on a convention center expansion project in Rochester, New York as well as a comparative analysis of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center trade show/convention costs with eight competitors.

Split-use - Thursday, December 7 - 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Dine Originals

Tucson, Arizona

Don Luria, President

Don Luria is president of the Council of Independent Restaurants of America, an organization that gives voice to a growing legion of passionate Independent restaurateurs by promoting Dine Original chapters and their members in cities throughout the country.

Dine Originals is an advocate for the local independent restaurateurs that capture each community's flavor and unique personality. These same hospitality professionals are the ones who stimulate their local economy, support local charity initiatives and create jobs for young people across their communities. 

"Independent restaurants define a community's Culinary Sense of Place. They are an essential player in the hospitality arena and help define the flavor of a community."

Split-use - Thursday, December 7 - 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Helen Bader Foundation

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Program Officer, Sankofa-Youth Development

Reuben K. Harpole, Jr., is the Helen Bader Foundation’s Program Officer for the Sankofa–Youth Development program area, which awards $600,000 in grants annually to projects working with children and youth in Milwaukee’s low-income neighborhoods. Harpole is responsible for evaluating grant proposals, recommending grants to the Foundation Board, and providing general assistance to the Foundation’s community partners. He has been with the Foundation since 1998.  

A longtime activist in Milwaukee’s African American community, Harpole has extensive insight into the needs of the city’s diverse communities. In 1997, he retired from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee after 31 years, serving most recently as senior outreach specialist at the Center for Urban Community Development. A life-long Milwaukeean, Harpole is a graduate of North Division High School and he holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UWM. In 2005, UWM awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in recognition of his decades of work to help connect Milwaukee’s diverse communities.

Harpole serves in a leadership role in various community groups in Milwaukee, including the Community Brainstorming breakfast forum, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Black School Educators, and the United Negro College Fund.

Harpole has received numerous awards over the years, most recently St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church’s 2006 Dr. Martin Luther King Award. He and his wife, Mildred, were recipients of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund’s 2005 Community Service Award, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee’s 2004 Lincoln Gaines Award, and the 1993 Vatican II Awards.

The Harpoles live in Milwaukee and have two children.

Heritage Music and Entertainment
Wednesday, December 6 - 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

The Police Foundation

Washington, District of Columbia

William H. Matthews, Director

William H. Matthews is a native of New York City and a military veteran.  Mr. Matthews is currently the Deputy Director of the Police Foundation located in Washington D.C.  On loan from the Police Foundation for ten years he served as the Executive Director of the Community Policing Consortium also located in Washington, D.C. Prior to these assignments he served as Director, Community Policing Programs, ICMA. As an academic and practitioner Mr. Matthews has broad criminal justice experience.  Since 1970 he has worked for three law enforcement agencies and two universities in various positions.  During this period he assisted in the development of graduate courses at Howard University, served as Executive Director of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Chief of Police, Baltimore Housing Authority Police Department, CEO of Merge, Inc. and managed major law enforcement projects for national associations.  Mr. Matthews is one of the original contributors to the development of national standards for law enforcement and participated in the creation of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.  Mr. Matthews is an experienced instructor, speaker, and group facilitator.  He has a BS Degree from Howard University and a Master of Science Degree from the American University of Washington, D.C.

"In many ways the “Community Policing Movement” is noted for building relationships.  I often remind audiences that regular foot beats and trust-based partnerships were first established in business and hospitality centers."

Split-use - Thursday, December 7 - 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Kevin Mattingly

Phoenix Convention Center and Theatrical Venues

Phoenix, Arizona
Kevin Mattingly, Director of Operations

Kevin Mattingly is the Director of Operations for the Phoenix Convention Center and Theatrical Venues, a campus of three performing arts theaters, a convention center and seven parking structures located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Kevin oversees daily operations in Facility Services, Event Services, Client Technical Systems, Production Services and Security Services. A former law enforcement officer, Kevin retired in 2001 from the Scottsdale Arizona police department where he last served at Deputy Chief of Investigations.
Kevin has instructed in the law enforcement community on topics such as Emergency Management, Incident Management System, First Responders to Critical Incidents and other topics related to police and fire department integrated approach to critical events. He was responsible for the development of policing strategies during the development of the downtown entertainment district in Scottsdale during the 1990s. Kevin has responded to two domestic terrorist events including the 1996 bombing of the Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City, where he studied the response of local authorities and their lessons learned.
An experienced public speaker, Kevin has appeared before legislative bodies in public hearings to provide expert testimony on public safety issues, instructed at community colleges and represented his Department at numerous gatherings and public events. He serves on the Security Guard and Private Investigators Hearing Board for the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Community Advisory Board for the City of Phoenix Light Rail construction project.
Kevin holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. He is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police and the Southern Police Institute and a faculty member of the Academy for Venue Safety and Security, a program of the International Association of Assembly Managers.

Magnet Projects - Friday, December 8 - 10:15-11:45 am

Mac Nichols

Economic Research Associates, Inc.

Washington, District of Columbia

Mac Nichols, Senior Associate

Mac Nichols is a senior associate with Economics Research Associates, an international consulting firm focused on economic analysis for the entertainment and leisure industry, real estate development, public-policy analysis, tourism, and economic development. Since its founding in 1958, ERA has completed over 15,000 assignments yielding unmatched experience in land use economics. In the process, the firm has made important contributions to some of the world's most innovative and successful development projects.

"Successful hospitality zones need to have staying power for the long haul. The quality of the concept and operators plus the economic foundations upon which they are developed will determine if you have a sustainable zone."

Split-use - Thursday, December 7 - 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Jerome "Popagee" Johnson

New Orleans Music Hall Of Fame

New Orleans, Louisiana

Jerome "PopAgee" Johnson, Founder

A native New Orleanian, Jerome “PopAgee” Johnson
was born in 1945. When Jerome danced the “jitterbug,” it was reminiscent of an “old man” doing his thing. Thus he was nicknamed “PopAgee.” The “Gee” is a derivative of Jerome, if Jerome is spelled G-E-R-O-M-E. The “P-O-PA” is just another of the many examples of spelling phonetically.

Possessing an entrepreneur spirit in early in life, PopAgee was self-employed
early on in life. He was first featured in Ebony Magazine in 1979 as the first African-American sightseeing touring company operating in New Orleans. He also owned and operated a music nightclub, promoted musical concerts, and served as the booking agent of musical talent for the Star Casino, and other venues around town. In 1981, he founded the New Orleans Music Hall of Fame, Inc. with the idea of one day making a difference in the world of New Orleans music.

When no other business in New Orleans or outside of the area could entice the St. Bernard Parish land baroness, Ms. Earlene Meraux, to sell, PopAgee talked her into selling the New Orleans Music Hall of Fame, three historically very important pieces of property – the Karnofsky Pawn Shop, the Iroquis Theater, and the Eagle Saloon. All three properties have great historical impact – the Karnofsky Pawn Shop was the first store in the world to carry Jazz sheet music in inventory, the Iroquis Theater was well known as a vaudeville performing venue for musicians, and the Eagle Saloon has been recognized by John Edward Hasse, of the American Smithsonian, as “the most historically significant building as it relates to Jazz in the world.” The Eagle Saloon was a favorite haunt of early Jazz Musicians, possibly giving its name to the Eagle Band, the successor to Buddy Bolden’s band.

PopAgee plans to preserve these precious national landmarks, restore them
to their original condition, and reopen them as museums and venues for future
generations to see and hear. He also envisions restoring the legendary South
Rampart Street area to become a music and entertainment district connecting the Central Business District of New Orleans to the French Quarter. These plans
include a original New Orleans style restaurant and Jazz lounge, a dedicated
apartment tower for musicians, artists, and chefs – subsidized to help bring them back to the city, and a mammoth hotel and Jazz performing center that reflects traditional Jazz and its impact on music worldwide. This vision has connected him to Jazz supporters and fans internationally, including members of Congress, the President and First Lady, Prince Turki Al Fasad from Saudi Arabia, and musicians from all parts of the world, who have been influenced by the impact of New Orleans Jazz, Gospel Music, Hip-Hop, Cajun, Zydeko, and Rhythm and Blues. This mission occupies his life full time – he id dedicated to making this vision a reality – preserving New Orleans cultural and musical heritage.
 

Heritage Music and Entertainment
Wednesday, December 6 - 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Hospitality and Diversity
Friday, December 8 - 8:30-10:00 am

rosa pryor-trusty

African-American Entertainment in Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland
Rosa Pryor-Trusty, Author, Musician

Rosa “Rambling Rose” Pryor, a native Baltimorean, has been an R&B music enthusiast since 1957. She started as a singer, songwriter and musician, playing saxophone and piano for the group she founded, “Little Johnny and the Twilight’s”. Rosa and the Twilight’s had an opportunity to meet and open for great performers such as The Shirrelles, The Chantels, Ruby & the Romantics, Jimi Hendrix and Sam Cooke. Her commitment to every aspect of the music industry is a testimony of her deep soul felt love for the artistry in its entirety.

As an entrepreneur since 1966, Rosa helped other musicians establish their careers. She gathered local neighborhood children from their nests, pruned and greased their musical wings, and sent them soaring into flight. Her passions nourished more than 20 music groups. She coordinated, trained, counseled, and managed them individually and as a group.

Starting in 1969, she assisted, managed and produced many professional, local R&B, Pop and Jazz musicians and singers. Because of her unyielding passion and diligent efforts, Rosa soon became known as one of the top promoters and managers in Maryland. She became a professional, licensed booking agent and established her own promotional/marketing agency called, Rosa Pryor Productions, which booked many of the jazz musicians in the Baltimore/Washington area. She has also lent her talents to Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey, Delaware, California, Pennsylvania, North & South Carolina, Detroit and Chicago, etc. She proved an invaluable asset to local nightclub and bar owners as a business developer, consultant and manager.

In 1971, the late, Ida Peters, the Afro-American Newspaper Entertainment Editor quoted Rosa as being, “…the most talked about, popular and the only Black female promoter in Maryland/Washington Metropolitan area ….”

Rosa’s trade name is “Rambling Rose”, a name that was given to her by the late great Nat “King” Cole when she was touring in the 50’s. Red has always been her favorite color and when she used to perform, she always gave out her favorite flower, a long stem red rose, which became her signature.

Rosa “Rambling Rose” Pryor was the Entertainment Editor, Account Executive and Entertainment Columnist for the Baltimore Times and the Annapolis Times for ten years before she resigned in November 1998. From 1997 to 1998, she wrote an entertainment column for the "Buzz N’Around Baltimore Magazine". Rosa is the co-author of a collector’s item book called, “African America Entertainment In Baltimore”, which was published in June 2003 and sold out first print in six weeks and now the book is in its third print. She began her research to write this book on the legendary Pennsylvania Avenue clubs and entertainment of its heydays in 1989.

“Rambling Rose”, as her readers affectionately call her is currently an entertainment columnist and reporter with the Afro-American Newspaper, and has been since 1999; The Informer Newspaper, The Northwest Voice and she freelance for other periodicals and have over 180,000 readerships. Rosa is a long time member of the National Association of Black Journalist, (NABJ).

Rosa is the founder, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund, Inc. created in 1991. The fund provides money for aspiring musicians, ages 5-17, to pay tuition and purchase instruments. She is also founder & CEO of an entertainment company with her husband, William “Shorty” Trusty, called RoseGarden Entertainment Enterprises, Inc. This is a company that provides entertainment, local and national for clubs, casinos, hotels, social events and racetracks.
 

Heritage Music and Entertainment
 Wednesday, December 6 - 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Elizabeth Peterson

Elizabeth Peterson Group, Inc.

Hollywood, California

Elizabeth Peterson, President

Elizabeth Peterson, president, Elizabeth Peterson Group, Inc. and principle, Sweet Freedom, Inc. is a former night club operator who spearheaded the revitalization of Hollywood's night-life, and today serves as a leading consultant to many of Los Angeles' popular hot spots. Working with police, city council and clubs owners, Peterson crafted an innovative collaborative to write conditional use standards for opening and operating in Hollywood, including security training, extended hours, cameras both in establishments and on the street, and monthly meetings to address emerging issues.

"The dynamic nature of an active late-night entertainment district requires special attention to details, constant monitoring of changing dynamics, on-going communication and a very coordinated response among establishment management, staff and community services."

Split-use - Thursday, December 7 - 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Community Policing -Thursday, December 7 - 1:30 to 3:15 p.m.

Chicago Police Department - CAPS

Chicago, Illinois

Beth Ford, Deputy Director

Beth A. Ford is deputy director of the CAPS Implementation Office, Chicago Police Department. Ms. Ford's work includes activities related to increasing community participation in Chicago's community policing model and developing internal and external marketing efforts. She also was the advisor to the city's successful Court Advocacy groups. She organized a national conference on community policing in 1998 and an international conference on organized crime in 2001, as well as the development of new community-based violence reduction initiatives on the city's west side, including the development of services for returning ex-offenders.

Prior to joining the office in 1996, Ms. Ford spent 12 years on the professional staff of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the U.S. House of Representatives. Beginning in the mid-1980s, she was involved in developing and monitoring implementation of legislation governing security of U.S. air carriers serving foreign airports and with the U.S. Government's overseas antiterrorism assistance program administered by the Department of State. From the late 1980s through 1995, she was responsible for oversight of all funding and legislation related to U.S. overseas narcotics control efforts and was involved in administration of justice and democracy building programs in Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union. Ms. Ford has been a member of the Juvenile Crime Enforcement Coalition, the governing body for the Chicago Police Department's Juvenile Gang Intervention project, since its inception in 1999 and is a member of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Steering Committee and the Illinois Department of Corrections Going Home Initiative Steering Committee.

Community Policing - Thursday, December 7 - 1:30 to 3:15 p.m.

Carrie Gallagher

Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

Stamford, Connecticut

Carrie Gallagher, Program Director

Quality of Life - Thursday, December 7 - 3:45-5:30 p.m.

Jocelyn Kane

San Francisco Entertainment Commission

San Francisco, California

Jocelyn Kane, Deputy Director

Jocelyn Kane is Deputy Director of San Francisco's Entertainment Commission, which is charged with ensuring the health and vitality of all indoor and outdoor entertainment venues in the City. Current projects protecting hospitality in the re-zoning efforts of the city's Planning Dept., permitting (protecting) street performers for the first time in the city's history, and revising San Francisco's outdated sound ordinance to stay current with technologies of the 21st century.

Jocelyn is also the founder of Motogirl Productions, an SF-based artist development company. Motogirl Productions works with large and small artists in various genres, to help them understand the "business" of music and how to reach individual goals effectively in one of the toughest industries around.

Jocelyn speaks at workshops and panels around the Bay Area and beyond, including California Lawyers for the Arts, NARAS (the Grammys), San Francisco State University Music Program, West Coast Songwriters Conference, CMJ, and AFM Musicians Union Local 6, with whom she is partnership for www.thebandworkshops.com.

Motogirl Productions co-produced Nadines Wild Weekend 2002 which included producing 20 shows with over 135 bands in 15 clubs over 4 days. Nadines Wild Weekend garnered major national and international media attention this year and included media partnerships with the SF Weekly, Live 105 radio and Tower Records. Motogirl Productions also founded an all ages live music series called "L3: Live, Loud and Local" together with The Matches, a great, young band out of the East Bay, signed to Epitaph records.

Future of Music  - Thursday, December 7 - 1:30 to 3:15 p.m.

Harold L. Lucas

Black Metropolis Convention & Tourism Council

Chicago, Illinois

Harold L. Lucas, CEO

Mr. Lucas seeks to support the growth of a vibrant heritage tourism district in the historic Bronzeville community. Black Metropolis Convention & Tourism Council (BMC&TC) promotes community-based economic empowerment and wealth creation by fostering entrepreneurial opportunities linked to the establishment of Bronzeville as an internationally renowned historic and cultural destination. The past and present center of African-American life and customs in Chicago, BMC&TC is working collaboratively to harness the energy of current and future urban redevelopment in Bronzeville to create a commercial destination of unparallel diversity and attractiveness. Bronzeville has emerged as a premier African American heritage tourism destination and is an essential part of what makes Chicago a remarkable “World Class” American city. Most important, as a direct result of Mr. Lucas’s 30 years of effective community organizing at the grassroots level, Bronzeville today is understood internationally as the birthplace of Chicago’s most significant cultural forms. Bronzeville is strategically being marketed by the BMC&TC as the home of a vibrant black renaissance community unfazed by the burdens of urban regentrification; it is economically and culturally independent, as is being repopulated by an entrepreneurial black middle class that lives in harmony with its lower income neighbors.

Hospitality and Diversity
Friday, December 8 - 8:30-10:00 am

Joseph H. Lumpkin

Athens-Clarke County Police Department

Athens, Georgia

Joseph H. Lumpkin, Chief of Police

Joseph H. (Jack) Lumpkin, Sr., is a 35-year veteran officer who became the police chief for the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County (ACC) in 1997. Chief Lumpkin has led ACC to notably lower crime levels despite the jurisdiction's 28.3 percent poverty rate. With calendar year 1996 serving as a base, during his tenure violent crime has decreased by 48.6 percent, property crime has decreased by 32 percent, and overall Part I crime has decreased by 33.3 percent. He assisted the entertainment district to establish a closed circuit safety camera system, a Responsible Hospitality Panel, and a cruising ordinance in ACC. Chief Lumpkin was educated in the public schools of Clarke County and earned a B.S. in criminal justice from Brenau University as well as an M.P.A. from Columbus State University. He is a graduate of both the acclaimed administrative officers course at the University of Louisville and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's prestigious National Academy. Chief Lumpkin is also a graduate of the 34th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar and the 7th Session of the Georgia Command College.

Community Policing - Thursday, December 7 - 1:30 to 3:15 p.m.

Cynthia M. Philo

Old City District

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cynthia M. Philo, Executive Director

Since 1998, Cynthia M. Philo, Esq. has been the Executive Director of the Old City District (OCD) and a very influential figure in the shaping of Old City as a destination to shop, dine and explore in the City of Philadelphia. Cynthia developed the OCD’s general operations and grew the organization to be recognized nationwide for its services.

Under her direction, the Hip-storic® District preserves the neighborhood’s historic roots while embracing the modern additions of restaurants, shops and galleries as well as a swell in residential development. Establishing a balance between all of these factors is a major focus of Cynthia’s work at the OCD. Cynthia also developed the Old City Streetscape Plan which is being used to replace lighting, increase landscaping and generally improve the safety and aesthetic beauty of Old City.

Cynthia holds board positions on the International Downtown Association, Pennsylvania Downtown Association, Citizen’s Crime Commission of the Delaware Valley, Mayor’s Homeless Taskforce, and 6th District Police Crime Taskforce. Active in politics and the Democratic Party for years, Cynthia ran for public office in 2005. She was elected as a Supervisor of Doylestown Township, Bucks County, PA, unseating a 17-year incumbent. She serves as the liaison to committees on Traffic, Police and Roadways.

“I believe that thriving businesses, clean sidewalks and safe streets are the main ingredients to a desirable neighborhood. It is around those components that the Old City District works to open lines of communication bringing together businesses and residents to work out issues. Educating new as well as existing businesses about what is necessary to be truly successful in our neighborhood is foremost to maintaining the delicate balance of an entertainment zone within a residential area.”

Multi-use Sidewalk - Thursday, December 7 - 1:30 to 3:15 p.m.

Tim Sampson

Soulsville

Memphis, Tennessee

Tim Sampson, Communications Manager

Tim Sampson is the Media and Marketing Manager for Soulsville, the nonprofit parent company that operates the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Stax Music Academy, Stax Music Academy Charter School, and Soulsville Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee. He began work with the organization as a public relations consultant when it was founded in 1998. He is the founding editor of The Memphis Flyer, Memphis, Tennessee’s largest weekly newspaper. He is also former editor of Memphis magazine. He has been a freelance journalist for 20 years, and has written for such publications as Historic Traveler, The Boston Phoenix, Time magazine, The New York Times, Picture Week, the Memphis Downtowner, and numerous other print and web publications. He is the author of the book “All Mimes Must Die” (1995, Contemporary Media), and has been the recipient of numerous journalism awards from the City & Regional Magazine Association. Most recently before joining Soulsville, he was vice president of public relations for Carpenter/Sullivan, a Memphis based advertising, marketing, and public relations firm. He is also the author of the bi-weekly, award-winning Memphis Flyer column, “The Rant.” Tim serves on the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau’s nonprofit Tourism Education Foundation and is a past board member of the Downtown Memphis Ministries, Inc., an agency dedicated to helping the homeless and mentally ill in Memphis.

Hospitality and Diversity
Friday, December 8 - 8:30-10:00 am

Angel Sarkissian

Valet Chicago Parking

Chicago, Illinois

Angel Sarkissian, Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Sarkissian has been active in the parking industry since 1984, including management. As Chairman, he is responsible for long range planning, marketing, and public relation.

Since 1990, Mr. Sarkissian has directed the growth of Valet Chicago Parking to a company that has successfully acquired over 50 locations throughout Chicagoland, including office buildings, medical center, hospitals, hotels, country clubs, and restaurants.

Mr. Sarkissian has been active in the community affairs. He is President of Valet Parking Association, and has been a key factor in updating the parking industry with the latest technological and procedural advances currently in use by many parking companies.
 

Late-night Integrated Transportation
Thursday, December 7 - 3:45 - 5:30 pm

City Wide Liquor Association and Illinois Licensed Beverage Association

Chicago, Illinois

Larry Stevens, President and Chicago Chapter President

Larry Stevens, owner of Larry’s of Harvey Lounge, President of City Wide Liquor Association, President of the Chicago Chapter, Illinois Licensed Beverage Association, Member, American Beverage Licensees and the National Unified Merchants Beverage Association.

Larry has nearly forty (40) years experience in the licensed beverage industry, starting as a bartender during Chicago's music history era, and later as a business owner.
One of the founders of City Wide Liquor Assoc. in 1991, he has been a leader and advocate for the licensed beverage industry. He works diligently with legislators, other businesses, community organizations, and the hospitality industry, to promote and protect the integrity and respect for the industry. He has been affiliated with the Chicago Hospitality Resource Partnership since the beginning, and serves as a mentor to start-up businesses.
 

Heritage Entertainment & Music - Wednesday, December 6 - 6-7:30 p.m.

Church Street Marketplace

Burlington, Vermont

Ron Redmond, Executive Director

Ron Redmond is executive director of the Church Street Marketplace District, a four-block, business improvement district in Burlington, Vermont established in 1981. 

During its high season, the Marketplace hosts 26 outdoor cafes, 28 vendor carts, professional and amateur street entertainers, non-profit tabling locations as well as periodic demonstrations and protests.  The Marketplace’s ability to manage these diverse activities in such a compact area has been aided by clear rules and regulations, permitting authority granted by the Marketplace’s charter and the City Council, and an engaged Marketplace Commission comprised of property and business owners and citizens.

During his tenure at the Marketplace, Ron has worked collaboratively with other community leaders to establish and sustain a successful community policing program and a street outreach program that delivers street-based support in downtown Burlington to individuals with psychiatric disabilities, substance abuse problems, homelessness issues and unmet social service needs.  In 2004, he led a collaborative effort with the Responsible Hospitality Institute and downtown stakeholders to create and establish a Hospitality Resource Panel.

A native of Southern California, he graduated from University of Southern California’s School of Journalism and worked in agency public relations, and corporate advertising and marketing for twenty years before joining the Marketplace.

He is currently board chair of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, a non-profit conservation and education organization with the mission of teaching individuals to take personal responsibility for their actions.  He is married to Karen Redmond, a project manager with IBM Global Services and the proud father of 12-year-old daughter.

 “In Burlington’s 20-square-block downtown where the Marketplace is located, there are 150 retail stores, 88 eating and drinking establishments, and a growing number of downtown residents.  Managing the needs and wants of these diverse stakeholders will always be challenging.  Burlington has made great strides fostering a “whiteboard & marker” culture where diverse groups are encouraged to meet through facilitated dialogue to resolve conflicts and develop realistic strategies.  Public process is always messy, but the outcome can be enriching and ultimately build a stronger sense of ownership.”

Multi-use Sidewalk - Thursday, December 7 - 1:30 to 3:15 p.m.

Food & Beverage Association of San Diego County

San Diego, California

Steve A. Zolezzi, Executive Vice President

Since 1994, Stephen A. Zolezzi has served as the Executive Vice President of the Food & Beverage Association of San Diego, a trade association to the food and beverage industry established in 1945 serving the County of San Diego.  The association represents over 500 restaurants, bars and clubs.  Mr. Zolezzi is a certified instructor for Responsible Beverage Service (RABS), S. D. County Dept. of Environmental Health Food Handlers Certificate program and National Food Safety Professionals Managers health and safety certification.

In addition, Mr. Zolezzi is currently serving on the Board of Directors of American Beverage Licensees (ABL), past Chairman of the ABL Government Affairs Committee, is a Board member and Secretary of the Responsible Hospitality Institute, is a Board member of the San Diego Responsible Hospitality Council, is a member of the San Diego County External Process Improvement Team, and is a member of the San Diego County Dept. of Environmental Health Advisory Board. Mr. Zolezzi served as the Chairman for Citizens Against Alcohol Abuse, Vice Chairman of the San Diego Employer Advisor Council to EDD and is past president of the Hillcrest Business Association and Hillcrest Mission Valley Lion’s Club. Past President, CEO of the San Diego Crime Commission.

Mr. Zolezzi’s reputation as a successful restaurant operator with over 35 years experience is well known.  He opened his first establishment, Zolezzi’s Italian Delicatessen and Restaurant in 1965, Stefano’s Italian Restaurant opened in 1976, La Pettit Café, a French Bistro opened in 1977, and Columbos Bakery opened in 1982.  Mr. Zolezzi and his families’ long association with the San Diego food industry began in 1890 with the families’ instrumental role in developing San Diego as the West Coast Center for the tuna industry.

Mr. Zolezzi has received honors and awards, Presidents Lifetime Achievement Award-National Licensed Beverage Association, Mark Nottingham Memorial Award- California Dept. of Environmental Health, San Diego City Council, San Diego County Board of Supervisors, the California Senate, Southern California Restaurant Writers’ Association, Wine Spectator, San Diego Chamber of Commerce, and several other prestigious organizations.  He has also received national recognition as wine authority and has been an instructor in wine appreciation seminars for over 26 years.

Mr. Zolezzi’s interests include traveling, gourmet cooking, woodworking and gardening. Mr. Zolezzi was born and raised in San Diego and currently resides in El Cajon with his wife Katie.

Security, Service and Safety - Thursday, December 7 - 3:45-5:30 p.m.

James M. Goldberg

Goldberg & Associates, PLLC

Washington, District of Columbia

James M. Goldberg, Attorney

James M. Goldberg is a principal in the Washington, DC law firm of Goldberg & Associates, PLLC.

He also serves as General Counsel to the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, which represents the 18 states and two counties which directly control the distribution of alcohol beverages through the operation of government-run wholesale, and, in some cases, retail outlets. NABCA advises its member jurisdictions of statutory and judicial developments at the federal and state levels, among other activities.

In addition to representing NABCA, Mr. Goldberg’s practice focuses on the representation of nonprofits, trade associations, professional societies, foundations and other types of tax-exempt organizations in all aspects of their operations, including taxation, employment law, and contract issues. He is former Chairman of the Subcommittee on Trade Associations within the American Bar Association's Section on Business Law and formerly served on the governing Council of the American Society of Association Executives' Legal Section. Mr. Goldberg is an active member of the Tax-Exempt Organizations Committee of the District of Columbia Bar. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorney.

A native of Washington, DC, Mr. Goldberg received his B.S. degree in political science and journalism from Syracuse University and his J.D. degree from The George Washington University National Law Center.

He is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States and is a member of the District of Columbia and Maryland Bars, the American Bar Association and the Order of the Coif, the national legal honorary society.

Regulatory Roundtable - Saturday, December 7, 8:45-10:00 a.m.

Jerry W. Waters

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Jerry W. Waters, Director. Licensing Bureau

Jerry W. Waters, Sr. was appointed the Director of the Bureau of Licensing for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board on April 9, 2005.

The Director of the Bureau of Licensing is responsible for licensing all sales, storage, transportation, and manufacture of Wine, Spirits and Malt or Brewed beverages, within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which consists of sixty-seven counties. Additionally, the Bureau has the responsibility to protect the public safety, health and welfare of the Commonwealth, while at the same time supporting the licensed industry by assuring compliance with the statutory and regulatory mandates of the Pennsylvania Liquor Code. 

Jerry’s career exemplifies the highest-level of regulatory and investigative experience as he draws from his 25 years with the Board. He began his career as an enforcement officer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after attending the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Enforcement Officer Academy. Jerry has severed the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board as an Investigation Regional Manager, Chief of the Investigation Division and the Assistant Director of the Licensing Bureau.

He has participated in many regulatory state, city and local municipality panels and round-tables. In addition he is a member of the Best Practice Committee for the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators and a Board member of the Responsibility Hospitality Institute.

Regulatory Roundtable - Saturday, December 7, 8:45-10:00 a.m.

James Webster

Webster Powell

Chicago, Illinois

James Webster, Attorney at law

James L. Webster is the founding partner in the Chicago law firm of Webster Powell, P.C, a boutique law firm specializing in the Beverage Alcohol Industry. Mr. Webster has represented Industry members in all three tiers throughout the United States for the past 23 years, addressing issues in trade practice, licensure, labeling, importing and Industry tax issues, mergers and acquisitions, franchise litigation, administrative hearings and appellate advocacy.

Mr. Webster, the former co-chairman of the American Bar Association Committee on Alcoholic Beverages, is a frequent speaker at Industry Seminars, including those sponsored by the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators, National Conference of State Legislators, National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, the National Restaurant Association, various State Restaurant Associations, the National Licensed Beverage Association, the Wine and Spirits Wholesaler’s Association of America, Continuing Legal Education International Seminars on Industry Practices, the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association, and trade practice seminars sponsored by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. He also conducts trade practice seminars for Industry Members, has assisted in training law enforcement agencies regarding alcohol related incidents through the National Center for Alcohol Law Enforcement. Mr. Webster has also been active in the Chicago Hospitality Resource Partnership.

Mr. Webster earned his B.A. from the University of Wisconsin in 1979 and his J.D. from DePaul University in 1982, and has focused his entire legal career upon Industry-related matters. Mr. Webster founded Webster Powell, P.C., in 1999.

Regulatory Roundtable - Saturday, December 7, 8:45-10:00 a.m.

David Winner

Lake View Citizens' Council

Chicago, Illinois

David Winner, President

David Winner is currently the President of the Lake View Citizens’ Council. The Council is made up of 12 neighborhood associations in five city wards with a population that approximates 100,000 residents. He is also the Treasurer of the Tax Reform Action Coalition, an organization working with members of the State Legislature to revise the assessment process of properties that determine real estate taxes in Illinois, as well as the Treasurer of the Lake View East Chamber of Commerce.

When David is not volunteering his time, he owns a consulting company, DLW Business Consultants, Ltd., that advises small businesses in areas of profitability, work flows, accounting software, and tax preparation.

David holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and has taught Accounting in various colleges and has served on many other volunteer Boards.