National Black Chamber Of Commerce Launches Its "Legacy Project"
Washington, DC – The National Black Chamber of Commerce® has launched its new initiative to improve the value of local Black chambers of commerce throughout the United States. On January 27, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, NBCC Chair Sherrie Gilchrist, President/CEO Harry C. Alford and other officers of this organization explained the mission and details regarding this exciting program. “The economy is in the tank and our communities are suffering”, says Chair Sherrie Gilchrist from her office in Tennessee, “We must seize the time and use it wisely by providing technical assistance to our affiliates so that they may better serve their communities and improve the economic status, through business growth and jobs. Thus we have devised this comprehensive approach.” There are 140 affiliated chapters of the NBCC. “Some are great; some are good and others need much improvement. We can’t have social clubs representing out interests. Each chapter must be trained and prepared to provide assistance in business growth and job creation. This is our destiny”, says Harry C. Alford, co-founder, President/CEO of the NBCC. When the National organization was founded in 1993, the US Census Bureau reported 300,000 Black owned businesses doing $33 billion in sales. Today, the Bureau reports over 1 million Black owned businesses doing more than $88 billion in sales. That growth is the fastest growing segment of the US economy and the NBCC believes there is a correlation between the two. The NBCC will publish training manuals, hold workshops, and will rate local chapters on a 5 star rating system. It should be the goal of each chapter to have a 5 Star rating which would indicate credibility and professionalism in its management. The national organization will have 10 formal regions and will begin implementing the program immediately with committee formation and a specific Strategic Plan. For more information on the National Black Chamber of Commerce ® refer to www.nationalbcc.org. CONTACT: Kay DeBow kdebow@nationalbcc.org
