AKAs host fourth annual business and health expo
by Journal Staff
The Toledo Journal
Originally posted 5/26/2011 

Local businesses and health care providers, including the St. Vincent Mercy Health Partners, attended Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter’s fourth annual Business and Health Expo at the Stephenson- Roberts Fellowship Hall inside Indiana Missionary Baptist Church, 640 Indiana Ave.


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The purpose of the May 21 event was to introduce the community to local businesses, while simultaneously giving them exposure to the overall population, said Sherry Reed, chairperson of the expo.

Also, with the different health care agencies present, visitors had the opportunity to get free blood pressure, diabetes and health screenings, as well as information on health issues.

“This event is very important to the community because people get the opportunity to discover these businesses and their products that they didn’t know about,” stated Ms. Reed.

Business owner, Laverne Green- Cunningham, had two of her businesses at the expo.

“I think today was very beneficial to both my ventures,” she said. “I was able to get exposure and set up future meetings.” The event was an initiative that originated with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter, over four years ago, Ms. Reed said. She said the intent behind the expo was to showcase black businesses and set up free health screenings for a population that traditionally avoids preventive health care.