Congratulations to Kinard Robinson, Founder & CEO of Empowering Creative, on the thrilling recognition by the Tampa Bay Lightning! On February 27, 2024 , during the Bolts' annual Black Heritage Night, Empowering Creative was featured on the big screens and formally announced in the stadium filled with fans for the Bolts vs. Buffalo Sabres game at Amalie Arena. Robinson is an active Chamber Member and graduate of the Chamber's Minority Empowerment Program designed for Black and Hispanic owned businesses in the Tampa Bay Region.
The Tampa Bay Lightning commemorates National Black History Month each February by recognizing and celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black players, coaches, and leaders in the hockey community - and beyond. This year's Black Heritage Night celebration also included the presentation of their 577th Lightning Community Heroes Award which will help Academy Prep Center of Tampa, a tuition-free middle-school for children who qualify for need-based scholarships, empowering economically disadvantaged students. In 2023, the Bolts made NHL history, when the "Divine Nine" Black fraternities and sororities dropped the ceremonial puck, paying tribute to the contributions of African Americans in the sport.
This February tradition is a special part of our community's Black History Month commemorations and we're thrilled to see two Chamber Member companies at the center of this year's beloved tradition - the Tampa Bay Lightning and Empowering Creative!
Filming with Kinard Robinson at Vu Studios Tampa Bay last fall. Click to view 138th Annual Meeting – 2023 Video.
A break in filming with Robinson at Visit Tampa Bay podcast studio. The Chamber's Minority Empowerment Program graduate and aspiring candidate for the Chamber's Minority Business Accelerator was selected to produce the video series showcasing the economic inclusion programs in 2023. Click to view Minority Business Accelerator 2023 Video #1 – Testimonial and Minority Business Accelerator 2023 Video #2- Building Legacy.