Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield to Serve as Host Sponsor for 100 Black Men of America 23rd Conference

Conference returns to roots in NYC, to discuss African-American education

NEW YORK, May 13 /PRNewswire/ — Empire BlueCross BlueShield announced today that it will serve as host sponsor of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. 23rd Annual Conference to be held June 10-14 at the New York Hilton in Manhattan. Thousands of community leaders, many from the organization’s 116 chapters in the United States, England and the Caribbean will travel to New York for a series of informational events, discussions and activities under the theme “Education on the Frontline.” Empire is a long-time supporter of The 100 Black Men New York Chapter and the valuable mentoring programs it creates for young men in the five boroughs.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090513/DE16590 )

“Empire has supported New York’s health care insurance needs for 75 years and is proud to welcome the 100 Black Men back to New York City for this year’s conference,” said Mark Wagar, president, Empire BlueCross BlueShield. “There is a distinct and vital link between education, health and the well-being of a community. The 100 Black Men is an organization committed to ensuring that underserved populations receive the support necessary for the success of future generations.”

“We salute Empire BlueCross BlueShield for joining in the vision of the 100 Black Men of America as a host sponsor of our 23rd Annual Conference,” said Albert Dotson Jr., Esq., chairman, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. “It is because of corporate and community partners like Empire that the 100 is able to carry out its mission to make a difference in communities around the globe.”

“From the installation of a computer lab at Theodore Roosevelt High School to the mentoring of students at the Eagle Academy for Young Men in the Bronx, Empire understands the power of community partnerships and has a longstanding history of supporting the educational service projects of 100 Black Men,” said Phil Banks, president, 100 Black Men of New York. “We are honored to have the national conference in New York City for the first time ever and are delighted to extend our collaboration with a well-respected company like Empire BlueCross BlueShield.”

Some of the noted speakers participating in the conference include:

• Mark Wagar, president, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, will address the welcome reception on Wednesday, June 10th, 8:00PM @ the New York Hilton.

• Dr. Charles Kennedy M.D., vice president for Health Information Technology, WellPoint, Inc. will receive the 100 Black Men of America Chairmen’s Award in Education for his achievements in health care technology and will address the closing gala Saturday, June 13th, 8:00PM @ the NY Hilton Dr. Kennedy was recently appointed to the U.S. Health Information Technology Policy Committee, an advisory body recently established by the President’s administration.

• Errol Pierre, business strategy consultant, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, and mentor to five Eagle Academy students, will announce winners of the Health Care Disparity Research Project on Saturday, June 13th, 2:00PM @ Eagle Academy for Young Men, located in the Bronx NY.

Among the invited guest speakers and awardees are: Terry McMillan, author of Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back; New York Knicks’ Allan Houston; award-winning gospel artist Bishop Hezekiah Walker and renowned clergywoman Reverend Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook.

In addition to serving as a host sponsor, two of Empire’s sister companies are subsidizing travel and registration for several students to participate in the conference. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia is sponsoring several students from their local 100 Black Men chapter and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is sending 150 students from three 100 Black Men chapters in the Atlanta area.

The four day conference is open members of the 100 and the general public, and will offer a variety of educational and cultural experiences for the more than 3,000 expected attendees from chapters around the country. For more information, or to register for the 23rd Annual 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Conference, visit www.100blackmen.org.

About Empire BlueCross BlueShield

Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Empire) is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., and Empire BlueCross BlueShield HMO is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc., independent licensees of the BlueCross BlueShield Association, serving residents and businesses in the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of New York State. Additional information about Empire is available at www.empireblue.com.

SOURCE Empire BlueCross BlueShield