Interview with Toraine Lee - What's the 7-0-4 Plan and How you can get involved
Nice Column By Shira recognizes those who put forth great efforts, support and well planned out advocacy programs that help their communities and those closest to them
Those who have a passion to make a difference in the lives of their fellow brothers and sisters.
In this interview, Mr. Toraine Lee shares his vision, passion and motivation to see local minority business owner's reach their maximum growth and potential as entrepreneurial's. Paying in forward in a practical, educational and benevolent way.
In this interview, Toraine gives very clear and concise responses to each question asked regarding this aspiring visionary plan and movement.
What’s the 7-0-4 Plan?
The 7-0-4 Plan, a community-based project. A revolutionary campaign to promote diversity and inclusiveness in the Charlotte, North Carolina business community
Tell us about your immediate future vision for the 7-0-4 Plan?
To share the vision via articles/commentaries that will inspire already thriving and successful local business owner’s in-addition to those in the community and surrounding areas to get involved with the growth and development of current minority and struggling entrepreneurs.
"Thus being an incubator and resource center, supplying the necessary information needed for growth."
Who or what inspired you to start the Movement?
My grandmother. She always wanted the very best for me. Encouraging me to make a difference in the lives of those closest to me. It was her that made the stamp of inspiration in my heart to reach out and help my fellow brothers and sisters.
When did the 7-0-4 Plan Begin?
The 7-0-4 Plan was founded on May 2, 2010 and reflects my vision of how to build a diverse and inclusive business community.
What are your personal experiences that you feel helps to motivate you to fulfill this vision?
After my near death experience on January 19, 2009, I developed a purpose and drive that has given direction to my goals in life. On the aforementioned day, I went into anaphylactic shock from digesting walnuts.
My entire respiratory system shut down – I swelled internally. It caused me to pass out and I died for a short period of time. My pulse stopped and it actually took two people to perform mouth-to-mouth to revive me.
After waking up, I was given a divine revelation through Habakkuk 2:2-3.
“Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision and make it plain on tablets,
that he may run who reads it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time,
but at the end it will speak,
and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
I then learned, since God revealed, He called on me to be a leader in my family, career and community, I’ve found the motivation to work even harder to make my aspirations and dreams a reality.
Do you see this vision/movement as a gift or calling or both?
I see the 7-0-4 Plan as my purpose in life – both a gift and calling divinely inspired to represent my entrepreneurial spirit.
What do you hope to accomplish with the movement?
To see the North Carolina business owner’s, strengthened in their education and strategies to effectively run a thriving business.
To provide the resources needed to write and be able to effectively present a business plan that will give them the foundational principles and leverage needed to obtain grants, loans and investors to make their businesses a success.
Does anything ever discourage you as you hope to make this vision come to pass?
No. I have faith that as I have written down the vision, made it plain, it will surely come to pass.
In what ways do you hope the 7-04 Plan will help to unify or strengthen the populace as a whole?
By providing the community access to a powerful blend of intensive training, counseling, financial guidance, peer coaching and networking – all focused on assisting minority entrepreneurs build strong community and corporate partnerships that support the revitalization of Charlotte, North Carolina.
The 7-0-4 Plan seeks to impact locally on a worldwide basis; putting the city on the fast track to explosive job growth and increased tax revenue base.
Have you found the Internet helpful in reaching others concerning the movement?
I have found the Internet to be helpful in building The 7-0-4 Plan Movement. Whether through Facebook or other social media outlets, the movement is starting to build momentum.
How can those interested in the 7-0-4 Plan find out more information about the 7-0-4 Plan?
To find out how you can get involved to make a better Charlotte, visit www.The704PlanMovement.com or join the conversation at the cause’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/The704Plan. You can follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @704Plan.
What helpful suggestions or encouragement would you like to offer those who desire to be a part of such a revelatory movement?
At this point, the most important issue is to attract activists that see our vision and are eager to support this initiative.
The 7-0-4 Plan project team is seeking advocates to endorse this cause and to champion the initiative to its fullest potential. With the criteria discussed, I would love for those interested in becoming a part of this movement to promote the campaign by way of social media, inclusion on their website resource pages and word of mouth.
And there you have it!
Thank you Toraine for sharing your vision and a solid glimpse into the current and future infrastructure of The 7-0-4 Plan with us. It is definitely apparent that you have taken the needed steps and completed the research necessary to make this vision come alive.
With the help of those who desire to see the betterment of the NC Business Community grow, this will be a blessed success.
To Connect with Toraine & Find Out How You Can Get Involved, Please Follow These Links:
