12/03/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tickets Now on Sale for the 2nd Annual Veretta and Jessie E. Rider Leadership Award for Community Impact
DEADLINE TO PURCHASE TICKETS IS THURSDAY DECEMBER 5TH AT 5PM!
Tyler, Texas – December 2, 2024 – The Empowerment Community Development Corporation (ECDC) is proud to announce that tickets are now available for the 2nd Annual Veretta and Jessie E. Rider Leadership Award for Community Impact. This prestigious event will take place on Wednesday - December 11, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Holiday Inn Tyler S Broadway - Conference Center, and is set to honor individuals and organizations who have made a significant, positive impact on the East Texas community.
The luncheon will feature a keynote address from Mr. Michael Coleman, KLTV Sports Director, who will share his insights and personal experiences on leadership, community, and service.
Honoring Community Leaders
This year, ECDC will honor Mr. and Mrs. Jim and Margaret Perkins as Persons of the Year 2024, recognizing their exceptional philanthropic contributions through the James I. Perkins Family Foundation. Their dedication to improving the lives of East Texans has left a lasting legacy, and we are proud to celebrate their vision and generosity.
Additionally, the following individuals will be presented with the Veretta and Jessie E. Rider Leadership Awards for Community Impact for their outstanding leadership and commitment to making a difference in the community:
Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt – CEO/President of Jarvis Christian University, Hawkins, Texas
Mrs. Jennifer Moore Gaston – Editor-in-Chief of TYLER TODAY Magazine
Mrs. Pamela B. Erwin – CEO of Pamela Erwin & Associates
Mrs. Nancy Rangel – CEO of the Tyler Hispanic Business Alliance
Mrs. Kristen S. Harris – CEO of Family Circle of Care
Mrs. Lisa Abrahams Oepkes – Co-Owner, Holiday Inn Tyler - Conference Center
Mr. Brad Brookshire – Chairman/CEO, Brookshire Grocery Co.
Dr. J. Blair Blackburn – CEO/President, East Texas Baptist University, Marshall, Texas
Mr. LeRoy Francis Sr. – CEO of Community Funeral Home, Tyler
Mr. Patrick Stacey – Vice President / General Manager of KLTV Channel 7
Mr. Garnett Brookshire – Co-Owner, People’s Petroleum Building and Plaza Tower
These honorees have demonstrated remarkable leadership in their respective fields, contributing to the growth and prosperity of East Texas through their work in education, business, healthcare, community service, and media.
Event Mission and ECDC’s Vision
The mission of the 2nd Annual Veretta and Jessie E. Rider Leadership Award Luncheon is to connect, reflect, and explore the incredible potential we have to make a lasting impact on our community. The luncheon is also an opportunity to share the work and vision of ECDC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to Community Development, Economic Empowerment, and the Arts.
ECDC is dedicated to fostering growth, opportunity, and sustainability in East Texas. Through programs like the Affordable Housing Initiative, the Veretta and Jessie E. Rider Fine and Performing Arts Centre, the Texas African American Museum, the Texas Sports Museum, and many others, we are actively working to create a vibrant and thriving community. Our programs benefit people of all ages and backgrounds, empowering individuals and families to build brighter futures.
Additionally, ECDC’s Veterans Services provides vital support and recognition for our local veterans, while the I Am Beautiful Movement inspires young girls to embrace their self-worth and leadership potential. Through Tour Tyler Texas, we promote the dining, entertainment, arts, and culture of East Texas, while CAR Texas Academy empowers youth through cutting-edge education in coding, aeronautics, and robotics. With the North Tyler Historical Cultural Arts District, we are preserving our community’s heritage while creating new opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange.
About Empowerment Community Development Corporation (ECDC)
Empowerment Community Development Corporation (ECDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on improving lives in East Texas through programs that promote Community Development, Economic Empowerment, and the Arts. ECDC is dedicated to providing opportunities for education, cultural enrichment, and economic growth for individuals and families in the region. Our work is supported by individuals, organizations, and businesses that believe in the power of community collaboration.
Join us as we celebrate the leaders who are shaping the future of our community and supporting ECDC’s mission to empower, inspire, and build a stronger East Texas.
Media Contact:
Clarence Shackelford
Empowerment Community Development Corporation (ECDC)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (903) 218-1388
Website: EmpowermentCDC.org
