U.S. Black Chamber Energizes Business Owners in Phoenix

On November 8-9, 2012, members and guests of the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce (GPBCC) took advantage of educational and networking opportunities and talked about the future of African-Americans in Arizona. The rescheduling of the 2012 Economic & Career Summit from last month turned out to be fortuitous, as the re-election of President Barack Obama last week changed the dialogue from an anxious “what if” to a more optimistic “what next.”

As most non-profits in Arizona, GPBCC has struggled with challenges in membership and resources. But the new leadership, new partnerships and strong corporate support demonstrated at the two-day conference revealed an energized organization determined to focus on future solutions, instead of past injustices.

While Arizona often seems to be withdrawing from the rest of the country, this event was infused with inspiring participation from nationwide partners. Ron Busby, former GPBCC President and now President and CEO of the U.S. Black Chamber, Inc., stressed the need for the 100+ Black Chambers in the US to work together and, instead of waiting for the Federal government to do something, to create their own agendas for small business recovery, demand accountability, and support leaders who support their goals in 2014.

Impressively, Derek Dingle, Senior Vice-President/Editor in Chief of Black Enterprise magazine, came to Phoenix to endorse GPBCC’s goals. “I came to connect with the Chamber, identify Black entrepreneurs, see how they are doing here in Phoenix, and discuss how national trends will benefit Black businesses in Arizona,” he said. “Black Enterprise wants to provide these companies with information and tools to grow, innovate and lead.”

New GPBCC President/CEO Kerwin Brown brings a new and timely depth of business experience and knowledge to the organization. Brown discussed the need to partner with other minority groups, articulate the value of chamber membership, and be able to quantify the number of Phoenix Black businesses and their contributions.

All speakers identified access to capital, a critical issue for Blacks, who are usually “invisible” to sponsors, capital venture, banks and other financial institutions in Arizona, as a top priority. Help may be on the way with a new OutreachSpeed office opening in Phoenix to facilitate bonding, RFP acquisition and funding for MBE, WBE, veteran, tribal and other underserved business populations.

Attendees left feeling relieved, energized and excited about GPBCC’s determination and capability to support their entrepreneurial ambitions.