2014 ANNUAL REPORT. Your Chamber at work for you!

Transcription

1 2014 ANNUAL REPORT Your Chamber at work for you!

2 FROM THE PRESIDENT There s never been a more exciting time to live and do business in Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix s economic prosperity and quality of life are making national headlines, and we continue to attract new companies, jobs and residents. In June, the Metro Monitor named Phoenix as one of the best U.S. cities for job growth and one of the strongest economies in the nation. Business and community leaders like you are helping grow this momentum, by spreading the message that Phoenix is rising. Thank you for your support of the Chamber and the work you are doing to help our city and state thrive. This report was generated as part of the 2014 State of the Chamber Address sponsored by: pg 2

3 OUR HISTORY In 1998, there was a diaspora among African-Americans living and moving into Arizona, making up less than 5% of the states total population. Even with many carrying college and graduate degrees, holding significant roles in government and corporate institutions, there was no initiative or one organizations to unify a focused effort that would support the interest of African-American businesses. When the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce was founded, things begin to shift in recognition of Black History and the accomplishments of Black people in Arizona. Today we exist to facilitate the economic empowerment of the Greater Phoenix Black community and our Chamber members through the promotion of entrepreneurship on a variety of levels, including but not limited to: Offering leadership and advocacy in efforts regarding economic issues Facilitating relationships between Chamber members, existing Black-owned businesses; and the Greater Phoenix corporate community Attracting local, national, and international business opportunities for Black-owned enterprises Educating our membership in the most current productive and efficient business practices Assisting whenever possible in the cultivation of fledging Black-owned enterprises Acting as a clearinghouse for information, opportunity and resources for small business development OUR VISION To be an indispensable resource and catalyst for our members and community. THE FIVE PILLARS OF SERVICE The Chamber is focused on facilitating the economic growth of the greater Phoenix business community by providing access to business resources and opportunities that add value. And we take our job seriously. ADVOCACY The GPBCC fights for legislation that promotes small business growth, particularly policies that address the challenges of Black business owners. ACCESS TO CAPITAL Capital access remains the most important factor limiting the establishment, expansion and growth of Black-owned businesses. CONTRACTING At the GPBCC, our goal is to level the playing field by helping members gain access to business opportunities in private and public sectors. ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING The GPBCC is committed to helping Black business leaders achieve stellar performance and growth through entrepreneur and business management training. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT The growth and development of Black chamber members, businesses and individuals is a core focus of the GPBCC. OUR MISSION The mission of the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economic development of our business entrepreneurs and the communities for which we serve. The GPBCC serves as the corner stone for educational training, resource programs, resources and economic growth opportunities with a specific emphasis on Business in Action.

4 STRATEGIC HIGHLIGHTS To proactively tackle workforce challenges, the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce has joined over 12 workforce investment boards including Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Board; Arizona Chamber of Commerce Board; Phoenix College Advisory Board; Phoenix Residential Investment Development Board; Take Charge America Board; Tanner Properties Board; Phoenix Police Foundation Board; One Community Advisory Committee; Arizona Commission on African American Affairs; and Citizens Commission on the Future of Phoenix Transportation The GPBCC expanded our collaboration with Maricopa Community College District to deliver the Pathways to Small Business Success a Entrepreneur Training Program which since it s inception have provided strategic training & graduated over 20 small business owners aiding in their growth to create new jobs impacting the economic development in our communities. We remain to be at the forefront of black business advoacy hosting political candidate forums to give those running for office a platform to share perspectives on issues that matter to us. 16 years of service empowering black owned business throughout the Greater Phoenix area. Collaborating with over 20 strategic community partners INSIDE PANEL - pg 4 The GPBCC continues to align ourselves with winning organizations of shared value and common goals so we may collectively impact the economic development in our city and state. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Your chamber, with careful and strategic leadership of your board of directors, have restructured and economized the financial processes of your chamber. With their leadership, your chamber re-energized its current programs through an all hands on deck involvement and dedication of members to achieve a stronger financial position. OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS We have established areas of activity to showcase the success of 2014: ADVOCACY Endorsed the establishment of legislation for diversity in the workplace Wrote letter in opposition of SB 1062 Advocated for the advancement in workplace equality COMMUNICATIONS Held monthly events engaging in dialog on various best practices related to owning and operating businesses Increased social media and web presence to engage non members in chamber activities Launched a quarterly magazine highlighting members and business with our community COMMUNITY Sponsored a group of students to attend an event showcasing business careers in athletics Sponsored the National Organization of Women to bring to Phoenix and showcase an award winning documentary Justice is a Black Women Sponsored a motivational speaker to encourage Caesar Chavez High School students PARTNERSHIPS We have partnered with One Community for business and job equality efforts Partnered with Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on the Million Dollar Circle of Excellence committee Partnered with Arizona Minority Contractors Association on their awards committee FINANCE Became a member of Chicanos Por LaCasa s Prestamos CDFI loan committee, to provide businesses capital opportunities LEADERSHIP Created the Chamber s team of contractors to collaborate and support each other on contract opportunities Chair of Economic Development Pillar for African American Legislative & Leadership Conference PROGRAMS & EVENTS Awards Banquet Breakfast Networking Events Cash Mobs Black Phoenix United Events pg 4

5 OUR LEADERSHIP The Top of the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber leadership is composed of a dedicated Board of Directors and a professional staff concerned for the success of the organization and the sustainability of the free enterprise system in our State. STAFF Kerwin Brown, President & CEO LOOKING AHEAD As we look into 2015, we see an exciting year of growth, new approaches, and an appreciation for our members and their needs. Your chamber is striving to provide a strong return on your investment not only in the Greater Phoenix area but as we expand our footprint across the entire state. The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce will conduct its first-ever State of Black Business Forum. This event will inform our members and community on the climate, condition, and trends of African American business in Arizona. It will provide a statistical overview of the state of black business, the trends in various industries, and potential growth opportunities. The Forum will be a critically important forum for attendees to discuss and design a plan for greater economic impact within our communities. You will want to join this discussion with black business leaders from around the State! Theatis Mckissack, Executive Assistant Heather Holmes, Marketing Onitia Fraizer, Events Cari Mallery, Programs & Communication The Board of Directors are chosen by the membership to provide governance and fiduciary responsibility. The Board meets regularly to address community, business, and membership issues. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Marchelle Franklin, Board Chair, City of Phoenix, Aviation Department Brendon Riley, Board Vice Chair Wells Fargo Commercial Banking Peter Hemingway, Past Chair, Ritoch-Powell &Associates Isauro Gonzalez, Treasurer, Consultant Erika Bowman, Secretary, UofA Health Network Sheldon Caldwell-Meeks, COX Communications Nicole Davis, Esq, Baskin Richards, LLC Karl Gentles, Karl Gentles Public Relations Glenn Hammer, Arizona Chamber of Commerce Eric Hammons, PointB Management Consultants OTHER GOALS THAT ALIGN WITH OUR MISSION INCLUDE: - Developing a comprehensive Outreach Program for Disabled Veterans that will support the individual s business aspirations. - Ensuring and increasing opportunities for Chamber members to compete and win prime and subcontracts in proportion to the representation levels of our business community. Adrienne Howell, Southwest Gas Corporation James Jessie, Greater Phoenix, Convention & Visitors Bureau William Johnson, P360 Creative Marketing, LLC Mark Molzen, Century Link Mario Middleton, University of Phoenix Terrence Spencer, Edward Jones pg 5

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