(L-R) Chris Arceneaux, Founder, The Darby Foundation with Earnie Ellison Jr., Managing Partner, Ellison Consulting Group LLC. (photo: Michael Herman)
FREEPORT, NEW YORK (May 25, 2017) — Building relationships while helping minority and women-owned businesses grow was the goal of the Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Meet & Greet Networking Reception hosted by Pro-Golfer Chris Arceneaux and The Darby Foundation. Arceneaux, Founder of The Darby Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Freeport, NY, hosted the 2017 Supplier Diversity and Inclusion program on Wednesday, May 24 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the PGA Tour Superstore, 1254 Corporate Dr., Westbury, NY 11590.
The event featured an information panel session which discussed opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned businesses. A networking reception followed, giving attendees an opportunity to meet with peers, industry experts, professional service providers, and suppliers.
Panel guests and speakers included:
- Stephen Drummond, Esq., Drummond & Squillace, PLLC
- Earnie Ellison Jr., Managing Partner, Ellison Consulting Group, LLC (former PGA of America Director of Business and Community Relations)
- Debert Cook, Publisher, African American Golfer’s Digest
- Dean E. Bennett, President/CEO, J.K. Bennett & Associates, NYS Certified Minority-Owned Business Enterprise
- Woodline Gedeon of the Governor’s Office of Storm Recover (GOSR)
- Laura Palker, Trade Show Solutions
“I am excited to bring together a network of business professionals and the community. This is an excellent opportunity to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs who desire to get started as well as take their business or event to the next level,” said organizer Chris Arceneaux. 
“As a professional golfer, I chose to organize this event around the sport of golf because golf is one of the best networking venues I know. I never knew, starting out playing golf as a 12-year-old boy, that golf would expose me to so many opportunities, and, allow me to make the connections and establish the relationships that I have made and maintained to this day.” As with his Darby Foundation’s many other successful networking events, Arceneaux had an opportunity to connect with longtime friends and supporters.
Attendees engage with panelists during the forum.
Stephen Drummond, Esq., Drummond & Squillace, PLLC with Laura Palker, Trade Show Solutions.
Sponsors for the program included Mercedes-Benz, Tour Edge Golf, Scratch Sundays, PGA Tour Superstore, LL Dent Restaurant, Papa John’s Pizza, Chef Paula, Michael Herman, Digital Donations, African American Golfers Digest and Trade Show Solutions
For more information and upcoming programs please contact Mr. Chris Arceneaux, Pro-Golfer, Darby Foundation at info@darbyfoundation.org or call (516) 880-2196.
