National Black Chamber of Commerce Convention Kicks Off in Chicago with Desiree Rogers, J. Alexander Martin, David Otunga, Claudia Jordan and Chef Roble Headlining

CHICAGO, July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) presents it's 22^nd annual convention from July 10-12 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, 301 E North Water Street in Chicago, IL. The 2014 conference, NBCC Now, will delve into the most important topics for entrepreneurs, from small business development to maintaining personal health.

The official series of events will open with the Chairman's Networking Reception on the Riverwalk, hosted by VISA. This year, Desiree Rogers, former White House Social Secretary and current Johnson Publishing Company CEO, will headline as the keynote speaker. "The NBCC is going to a new level," remarks Harry Alford, NBCC President and CEO. "We are the largest Black business association in the world, and the 2014 conference will have the most comprehensive agenda in our history." The NBCC looks forward to expanding its network and enriching its attendees experience with this year's agenda.

In addition to the second annual NBCC fashion presentation, hosted by Deal or No Deal and Celebrity Apprentice star Claudia Jordan, the conference will house a young entrepreneur business competition. Pass The Torch, as the program is titled, will allow three students from the Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago to create and pitch a business plan to celebrity judges J. Alexander Martin, FUBU co-founder, and Chef Roble, celebrity chef. "As an entrepreneur, hospitality professional and recent perfume designer, it's an honor to be part of the talented panel of speakers at the NBCC convention. I'm looking forward to exchanging ideas and learning along the way," says Roble, who will also speak as a panelist. Each morning will begin with a fitness and nutrition session with famous entrepreneur David Otunga, a Harvard-educated lawyer, actor, professional wrestler, bodybuilder and TV personality. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will also be in attendance to discuss his agenda for Illinois and vision for minority business development.

To register for the convention and for a full agenda of activities, please visit NBCCNow.org. Follow the NBCC on Twitter at @NationalBCC and search hashtag #NBCCNow for additional updates. Sponsorship from VISA, Johnson Publishing Company, MassMutual and Clique by Roble and The Chicago and Gary Crusader have made these collaborations possible.

About The National Black Chamber of Commerce
The National Black Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in Washington, D.C. in March 1993 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian organization. Its mission is to economically empower and sustain African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activity within the United States and via interaction with the Black Diaspora. For more information on the organization, visit NationalBCC.org.

Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2doPzuz8-0

SOURCE The National Black Chamber of Commerce