Win Roshell

Founder & CEO of After Five Professional Networking Association

On Saturday, February 24, 2007, Macon’s After Five Professional Networking Association held their annual “Evening of Elegance” Black Tie Awards Gala at the Macon Centreplex in Macon, Georgia.  Black tie is an understatement; this event was classy with a capital “C.” 

Alvino Ross & Charlotte Ross

After Five Professional Networking Association, founded in 2000, is the brainchild of Win Roshell, Founder and CEO.  Upon moving to Macon in that year, Roshell felt that utilizing minority-owned and operated businesses would ease his transition into the community.  When this proved to be difficult, he saw the need for a networking vehicle that would help these businesses, thus After Five was born. 

Left to right: Herbert Dennard, Joan Walton, Dr. George Johnson, Gwen

Walton

The After Five organization was designed to help minority businesses meet on a social level to establish and cultivate new friendships within the community.  This networking occurs in monthly Business Networking Forums. After Five also assists businesses with marketing and training initiatives that support economic growth within the community.

Howard Scott (left, on drums) & Jazz Notes play great R&B,  jazz during the black tie reception

Saturday’s awards event began with a reception period outside the Ballroom, in which attendees mingled and took pictures.  Great R&B and jazz was provided during the reception by Howard Scott and Jazz Notes and during dinner and the awards presentation by Ken Trimmins and the Quiet Storm, featuring Robin Latimore.Howard  H  The evening wear was fabulous with long evening gowns for the ladies and suits and ties for the gentlemen.  Attendees moved to the Ballroom and were served lobster bisque, baby greens salad, and filet mignon, followed by raspberry mont blanc for dessert.

Left to right: Maryann Richardson, Attorney Tom Richardson, Dele Reichert, and Attorney Robert Reichert

Macon City Council President Anita Ponder and Cox Communications General Manager Mike Dyer served as emcees for the program and after dinner, a beautiful video tribute to Dr. D.T. Walton, Jr. was shown and 18 students of the Dr. D.T. Walton, Jr. Share a Smile Dental Health Scholarship Program were graduated.  Following this, a video was presented, showing the life of Herbert Dennard and his successes, videotaped and produced by Dennard's son, Kenney X. Dennard.  After Five then presented their awards for the following:

After Five Founder & CEO Win Roshell presents Business of the Year Award to Herbert Dennard (with wife, Berdine)

·        AARP Georgia received After Five’s Corporate Partner of the Year Award for the year 2006

·        Tammie Whitby received After Five’s Art of Networking Award for the year 2006

·        Herbert Dennard / The Georgia Informer Newspaper received After Five’s Business of the Year Award for the year 2006

After Five Gala Emcees, left to right: Craig Jackson; Cox Communications General Manager, Mike Dyer; Macon City Council President, Anita Ponder 

Following the awards presentation, the band played on, as attendees moved to the dance floor to continue the celebration.  It was a classy, beautiful evening, enjoyed by all present, but most of all, it was a celebration of the obvious success of Win Roshell’s vision of a community that works together for the good of all.

Former Macon City Councilmember Thelma Dillar & Herbert Dennard