DyNAMC "Men of Excellence" May 2015 Issue 8 | Page 11

Despite his time constraints and a constant barrage of anonymous well-wishers, Mr. Butts graciously gave DyNAMC Magazine his time. I asked what his reasons were for deciding to deliver a state of the region address and how the concept was conceived. “This is the very first,” he said proudly. “My staff and I came up with the concept as a way to get the word out about what the SBA is doing.” I inquired if there will be other addresses. “Plans are in the works… [we are] in the infancy stage [of planning for future state of the region addresses] to possibly take place yearly,” he continued. strategic partnership with NAMCO and the SBA Southeast region which covers Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as discussed with NAMCO President Aldrica Lattimore, he answered, “Yes,” shaking his head in the affirmative. I asked about the status of this project and he revealed that the plans were in the works and his staff was looking into the resources available to bring it to fruition. I posed the question: What is the most impactful point you want attendees to take home from this event? “That there are many resources available for small businesses. The SBA website offers training, advice and many other forms of I inquired of Mr. Butts his reasons for supporting assistance. Free of charge,” was his answer. the National Association of Minority Companies Lastly, I asked would taking advantage of these Inc. (NAMCO) in particular. After a thoughtful resources be the first step toward “living the pause he said, “I support NAMCO because any organization that promotes diversity should entrepreneurial dream”. With a warm smile, Regional Administrator Cassius Butts answered be recognized and supported.” In answer to with a definitive, “Yes.” the question whether he had plans to work toward a memorandum of understanding DyNAMC •• ISSUE ISSUE 68 DyNAMC Cassius Butts gives a compelling speech at the Inaugural State of the Region Address. 11