Assets Toledo – an inspiring way to start out my morning….
Yesterday I had a chance to talk to Olivia Holden about her involvement with Assets Toledo because they were holding a fundraising event this morning at the Toledo Club which she invited me to. Now those of you who know me, know I’m not a morning person, however what I heard this morning was a very inspirational way to start my day. The focus was on what this program gives people, which is a chance to develop/continue/enhance the entrepreneurial spirit that our society and our economy needs and survives as a result of.
From the Welcome by Olivia Holden to the Invocation given by Bishop Tisdale, the history shared by Frank Ulrich, the sharing of some of the successes by Maynard Sauder, thoughts shared by Dan Anderson, Lillie White and Jason Daniels sharing their personal experiences of what they gained from the program, Dick Anderson stressing why this program deserves community financial support to Frank Ozanski’s closing, the thought that ran through my mind was “imagine the possibilities”.
The stats shared were impressive 624 graduates, 189 business start ups, 161 businesses reinforced, 159 full time jobs and 141 part time jobs created, yet each one of those successes also impacts directly on those who participated, creating an even larger circle of influence than those numbers suggest. I thought about the close to 500 people on the waiting list for a class, and imagined the impact it would have on our community and their lives in addition to the 100 that will go through the next three classes…
It was clear in watching and talking to those who were there this morning that the inspiration was not just something I felt. I was seated next to Tina Skeldon Wozniak and we had a chance to briefly discuss not just the program but the possibilities that could happen if this program could expand.
The current fundraising drive has a goal of $65,000, if you are interested in learning more specifics? Please visit their website www.assetstoledo.com to read more about the program and for contact information. A huge thank you to Richard Brown who was my escort this morning and to Olivia for inviting me.
For some recent articles/additional information about Assetts Toledo in the news?
Toledo Free Press article about Frank Ozanski.
MEDA who helps to fund this great program.
Toledo Blade article about those in this area striving to create their own businesses.
I’m a Proud Asset grad, Class # 10, that’s the feeling I got the day I met Mrs. Holden and still have today. Hope and inspiration.
Proud Grad,
Johnnie Harris, Black Kettle Bar Be Que, LLC
May 23rd, 2008 at 11:29 am