The Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce will recognize the contributions of Mr. Joe Williams and State Senator Curren Price during the Fresno Urban Leadership Conference on September 30, 2011.
The Urban Leadership Award recognizes the contributions of business and civic leaders who have had a significant positive impact on the development of Fresno's urban community. "The Chamber believes their careers in business & government in addition to their commitment to the development of urban communities has made a significant contribution to shaping Fresno as a great city" says Tate Hill, FMBCC President.  Joe Williams President, RHA Inc.
Joe Williams has 40 years of executive leadership experience guiding the growth of both non-profit and for-profit corporations. Recognized as a community leader, he served two terms on the Fresno City Council during the 1980's and serves on numerous boards including Premier Valley Bank, founder and director, Community Medical Center Board of Trustees, and the Fresno State Foundation Board of Governors. Mr. Williams was appointed Executive Director of the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission in 1970. During the 22 years in this capacity he built this organization into the fourth largest of its kind in the United States, increasing revenues tenfold to over a $40 million annual budget for the benefit of low-income families emphasizing job development, the education of young children and family health. During this period, he also served as President of the California/Nevada Community Action Association, where he played a key leadership role in establishing the utility sponsored low-income weatherization program. Since joining RHA in 1993, Mr. Williams provides executive leadership resulting in the tripling of RHA's work force and revenues. He served as Chief Executive Officer until 2003. He now oversees RHA's vision and growth as President of the Board. In 2006 he received Fresno State's Outstanding Alumnus Award and in 2003 received the Fresno City College Distinguished Alumnus Award.  California State Senator Curren PriceChair, California Legislative Black Caucus Chair, Select Committee on Procurement As a strong and consistent advocate for small business, Senator Price has continued to prove that he is among California's most influential voices advocating for creating new opportunities for small business enterprises. He believes in policies that spark economic growth, encourage innovation, open the doors of opportunity for all, create jobs and stimulate our state's economy. He authored legislation that would increase opportunities for small businesses to compete for state contracts and would offer incentives for creating new jobs. Senator Price has been a supporter of increasing access for minority contractors and small businesses through the CA High Speed Rail project. In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Senator Price was chosen by Senate Leadership to serve on a range of important legislative committees that reflect his priorities and interests. Senator Price chairs the Legislative Joint Committee on the Arts as well as the Senate Select Committee on Procurement. Furthermore, Senator Price has been selected to serve on the following committees: Appropriations, Banking Finance and Insurance, Education, Governmental Organization and Local Government. Please join the Chamber on September 30th to celebrate our city and their leadership. Call the Chamber at 559-441-7929 to RSVP your attendance or purchase your luncheon tickets today.
The Fresno Urban Leadership Awards Luncheon Friday, September 30, 2011 12 Noon Holiday Inn Downtown 1055 Van Ness Ave, Fresno, CA 93721 Tickets $40/ea. $320 -Table of Eight (8) General Information & Seat Reservation To download the Luncheon Form, click here The Fresno Urban Leadership Conference brings together the best & brightest leaders in Fresno urban & African-American communities over two days with dynamic speakers, workshops and panels focusing on business, education, workforce development and finance & banking. Learn more here. The Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce is a member-based not-for-profit organization focused on advocating for, building and connecting the regional African-American business community in the greater Fresno-Clovis-Madera area. Learn more at www.fmbcc.com ### | 
