WS Chronicle

In above photo: Angela Robinson, who portrays Veronica Harrington on the primetime soap opera “The Haves and the Have Nots,” drew a crowd when she dropped by the Triad Minority Business Expo on Saturday, Aug. 15. (Photo by Donna Rogers)

‘Veronica Harrington’ attends Triad Minority Business Expo

Combine 62 minority businesses and the character Veronica Harrington on the “The Haves and the Have Nots” on the Oprah Winfrey Network and the crowds will come.

Between 500 and 600 people attended the Triad Minority Business Expo, the last part of the two-part Second Annual Triad Minority Business Expo Weekend, presented by Maximum Enterprises Inc. of Winston-Salem.

It was held at The Enterprise Conference and Banquet Center on Saturday, Aug. 15. Angela Robinson, who portrays Veronica Harrington on the primetime soap opera, came to give encouragement to the vendors.

“Thank you for using the gift that God gave you; using it, not sitting on it,” Robinson told those at the expo. “I really appreciate that.”

She mentioned the diversity of businesses at the expo: specialty business that sell products such as Greek wooden paddles, customized T-shirts and jewelry and newspapers; service businesses such as insurance and banking; nonprofits such as social services organizations; and at least one large company: Food Lion.

The businesses ranged from young, such as 3 months old, to old, such as The Chronicle, which is almost 41 years old. Many of those who attended were African-American business people who wanted to gain more exposure for their for-profit and nonprofit businesses and to support other black businesses.

Reginald McCaskill, who is president and CEO of Maximum Enterprises Inc., a consulting, promotion and entertainment company, put on the expo to help minority businesses.

“I just wanted to see minority businesses get their opportunity to strive, to provide a vehicle for them to be exposed locally, regionally and ultimately nationally,” McCaskill said.

He said he launched the expo last year and has seen it double in size this year. The Chronicle was one of the sponsors of the expo this year. Winston-Salem Federal Credit Union was honored as the corporate sponsor of the event.

McCaskill announced at the expo that he will be spearheading the publishing of a minority business directory next year and encouraged minority businesses to sign up.

The chief executive officer of The Enterprise Center was there, with a table. Carolyn Davis said she was at the expo doing her job.

“We promote small businesses,” Davis said. “We want to grow small businesses. I’m here as a cheerleader for the entrepreneurs.”

Robin Hines, owner of Christian Couture, said, “I came because I just started my business and I needed more exposure.” And she got exposure, attracting Robinson to her table of items such as jewelry, purses, hats and men’s accessories such as ties.

“I have something for everyone,” she said.

Hines is hoping to establish a foothold among Christian women as a personal stylist who not only sells items but also arranges clothing and jewelry for customers.

Vanity Oakes represented The Delhaize Group, which owns Food Lion.

“This is just one of our initiatives that we support, those in the community, especially minority businesses, and that’s why we’re here today,” she said.

The expo also featured workshops and sessions designed for the entrepreneur, such as How to Start Your Business, How to Develop a Business Plan and Marketing for Success.

All of the classes were taught by local business leaders. The expo also featured prizes and giveaways, local entertainment and a children’s play area.

Elliott Lowery, founder and executive director of Winston-Salem Performing Arts Alliance, had some children at the event, but they were entertaining those attending the event. He said he is trying to promote his free entertainment classes to the underserved, which are the young people, and others.  He is offering free eight-week singing, dancing and acting classes that start in September.

The two-day expo weekend kicked off Friday, Aug. 14, with a Captain’s Choice Golf Tournament at the Winston Lake Golf Course.

Find more information at: www.maximumenterprisesinc.com. For additional information or questions, call 336-422-7769.