A strong believer that business and politics go hand in hand, 58 year old Ralph P. Watson is committed to forming strategic alliances that cultivate business and political relationships geared toward enhancing the socio-economic development of small businesses in the region. A recent Holiday Networking Mixer sponsored by his organization, Classic Events, demonstrated that commitment.
“This is exciting,” said Watson looking around the room observing the interaction between exhibitors and attendees. “This is exactly what I am trying to accomplish, to build relationships and provide exposure.”
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| A SIGN OF APPRECIATION—Ralph P. Watson (R) celebrates the business and civic contribution of State Farm Insurance agency owner Grace Robinson. Assisting in the presentation is attorney Turahn L. Jenkins and Ed Gainey of the Mayor’s Office. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels)
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An audience of more than 200 people perused the mix of vendors that were on hand in the former sanctuary of the Union Project. Vender types included food, clothing, accessories, wedding and event planners, photography, travel agents, insurance agents, social media, business development agencies, educational and youth programs and a hair designer. People were also distributing information on upcoming events.
“This is great,” described Tameka Reed of Lil Crumb Snatchers.”Other than at a hair show, I’ve never attended an event like this where you can get your hair cut or styled,”
An awards ceremony was also part of the event. Honorees were Esther Bush, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh; Ruth-Byrd Smith, director, Allegheny County MW/DBE Department; Doris Carson Williams, president and CEO of the African America Chamber of Commerce of Western PA; Barbara Fisher, deputy district director of the Small Business Association; and Grace Robinson, owner and operator of State Farm Insurance Agency.
Accepting her award, Robinson said, “It is humbling to be recognized for business excellence.” Robinson was the first African-American woman in western Pennsylvania to own a State Farm Insurance Agency. Operating for more than 30 years, she is most proud of Tomorrow’s Future, Inc., a mentoring entrepreneurial and job-training program for teens that she initiated in 1992, which her daughter Danielle Robinson-Howard now operates.
“Classic Events thrives on recognizing courageous individuals like these women who continue to make a difference,” said Watson. “They have advocated for small businesses for a long time and are strong Black women within our community.”
Classic Events is a public relations, marketing and networking group that Watson established to provide a variety of social functions to introduce and provide exposure that connects a variety of businesses and organizations to community stakeholders. “These types of events cultivates relationships that assist in the socio-economic development of the region,” he explained.
Sponsoring four networking mixers in 2011, Watson said he has plans to organize six next year with the purpose for each to create opportunities to expand awareness of area entrepreneurs, therefore promoting and stimulating the social and economic well-being in the community.
Watson, a former politician has been involved in the Wilkinsburg area since 1977. Considering himself the youngest elected official in Wilkinsburgs’ history as well as being the first African-American Democrat elected in the borough, he was a Wilkinsburg School Board member for six years. He has served on the Wilkinsburg Borough Council, several community based boards and ad-hoc committees and was vice-chairman of the Wilkinsburg Democratic Committee.
He says an issue that has always been close to his heart is youth employment, development and training. “We as a community must take a strong approach to grooming our youth and supporting more comprehensive cooperative training programs that address the emotional, academic, and vocational needs of today’s diverse labor market.”
Understanding the needs and struggles of operating a business first hand, Watson while living in Atlanta operated a commercial cleaning business where he says he was able to create jobs for more than 30 people. “Being in Atlanta provided the groundwork that gave me an opportunity to test my personal strengths, marketing skills and to apply many life experiences that opened the doors to prepare me for life changing experience,” he said.
Back in Pittsburgh for almost two years, Watson said he sees a need for organizations and programs like his. “Small businesses need an outlet for exposure. I’m glad that I am the conduit at this time. Our goal is to continue to following our motto of increasing your network…increases your net worth,” he said.
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