HR1475 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1475 LRB096 24215 GRL 43660 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize the members of the Austin African American Business Networking Association (AAABNA) for their work in the Austin community; and

WHEREAS, AAABNA was founded in 2003 by Mr. Malcolm Crawford, Mr. Rickey Sanders, and Ms. Aleatra Elzy as a way of pooling resources to bring about change in the Austin business community through the creation of African-American business growth through networking and various support programs for emerging and existing businesses; and

WHEREAS, AAABNA has been responsible for hosting monthly meetings with area businesses, elected officials, the Chicago Police Department, and a host of others, allowing these groups to join forces to address issues in the Austin community; AAABNA was the driving force behind the design team that created the Austin Business and Entrepreneurship Academy at the new Austin campus; AAABNA has also begun the creation of a prominent community garden and planters on Chicago Avenue in order to beautify the Austin business district; AAABNA, in conjunction with the Austin Chamber of Commerce, also hosts an all-day business summit that brings federal, state, and local agencies together to disseminate information needed to create and sustain local businesses; and

WHEREAS, AAABNA's overall goal is to create an African-American focused business district that showcases all of the sights, sounds, and foods that make up the African American experience in order to make the Austin community a beautiful and safe place for residents, business leaders, and friends alike; and

WHEREAS, The members of AAABNA serve as models of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize and thank the members of the Austin African American Business Networking Association for their work in the Austin business community and wish them continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Austin African American Business Networking Association as a symbol of our esteem and respect.