The Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) recently celebrated its diverse collaborators at its annual recognition dinner, presenting awards for community impact, entrepreneurial spirit, community leadership and outstanding partnerships. In appreciation of the keynote address by John Bello, founder and former CEO of SoBe Beverage Company, CEDF has established a $25,000 scholarship in Bello’s honor to be used to provide a training opportunity and offer new resources to low-income owned and high risk small businesses in the state through participation in CEDF’s training program.

Pictured above:

Steve Hudd of Wachovia Bank, CEDF Board Chair; Donna Wertenbach, CEO and President of CEDF; and John Bello, founder and former CEO of SoBe beverage Company.