April 4, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2005-17) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org PROGRESSIVE BLACK FIREFIGHTERS TO HOST CONFERENCE The Progressive Black Firefighters of Mobile (PBF) will be the host of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters, Southeast Region, Spring Conference April 7-10, 2005 at the Riverview Plaza Hotel. This conference will bring approximately 400 delegates to the City of Mobile, with another 200-300 spouses and guest. The primary purpose of this conference is to provide exposure for the local organization, as well as the community as a whole to the many African American Fire Chiefs and Fire Service Professionals that are currently in the fire service not only nationally but also within the Southeast Region. Delegates will be coming from as far north as Prince George County Maryland, as far south as Miami, Florida and as Far West as Memphis, Tennessee to attend the conference. The theme for the conference is "Empowering Present and Future Success While Remembering Past Struggles" The primary focus of the conference will be presenting educational and empowerment workshops as it relates to education, training, leadership, racial, cultural and social diversity and other topics of importance. The PBF will also have several social functions planned to give conference attendees a taste of Mobile. The PBF will be hosting the first annual Paul Husband Memorial Golf Tournament on April 7th at the Linksman Country Club starting at 8:30 a.m. This tournament is open to the public. Green fees are $40.00 and will include lunch. Prizes will be awarded to the winners and the participants. The PBF will be sponsoring a community outreach program at John L. LeFlore High School starting at 9:00 a.m. on April 7th, consisting of a panel discussion with the senior class on real life issues. Panelist will include high ranking African-American Fire and Law enforcement officials from across the region. April 8th, PBF will be sponsoring a Mardi Gras style Cabaret at the Baker Gaines Campus of Bishop State Community College. Ticket prices for the cabaret are $10.00 in advance and $12.00 at the door. On Saturday, April 9th, in conjunction with the conference, the Progressive Black Firefighters of Mobile will be sponsoring their ten-year anniversary dinner/awards banquet at the Riverview Plaza Hotel. Dr Joseph Mitchell of the Alabama House of Representatives, House Seat 103, will be the Keynote Speaker. Ticket prices for the banquet are $35.00 each. Captain Myron E. King, Mobile Fire-Rescue and President of the Progressive Black Firefighters of Mobile can be reached for further information at 251-591-8400. ###