Pontiac Black Chamber of Commerce Emerges as Newest Member of Statewide Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce Network
PONTIAC, Mich., Jun. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
- Pontiac represents unique opportunity for entrepreneurial growth
- African Americans represent 52 percent of Pontiac's population, yet own only 38 percent of its businesses
- Over 72,000 black-owned businesses exist within the state of Michigan
- PBCC seeks to grow and diversify the number of black-owned businesses in the Pontiac area
The Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC), the governing body for all black chamber of commerce organizations within the state of Michigan, announces the launch of the Pontiac Black Chamber of Commerce (PBCC).
The launch event will be held at the offices of Dr. Deidre Waterman, a noted Pontiac businesswoman and owner of Holloway Eyecare. Holloway Eyecare is located in the Waterman Building, 91 North Saginaw St. in downtown Pontiac. The event begins at 10 a.m.
The launch of the PBCC continues the expansion by the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce to establish black chamber organizations in each urban area within the state of Michigan. The Pontiac Black Chamber serves the greater Pontiac and northern Oakland County areas.
"The city of Pontiac was hit particularly hard during the economic downturn and it devastated the manufacturing base the city was built on for decades," said Kevin McCormick, President of The Pontiac Black Chamber of Commerce. "African American entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to help establish a new business identity for the city. The Pontiac Black Chamber will serve as the leading resource for information, advocacy and opportunities for African American businesses in the Pontiac area."
African Americans own over 72,000 businesses in the state of Michigan and possess $8.3 billion in collective buying power as consumers. In Pontiac, African Americans represent 52 percent of its citizens, yet only own 38 percent (less than 1,500) of its businesses.
The Pontiac Black Chamber of Commerce is a part of a statewide organization, The Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, and a national network of African American businesses and black chambers through the U. S. Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
All chapters within the Michigan Black Chamber network operate within the framework of the Five Pillars of Service: Advocacy, Access to Capital, Chamber Development, Best Practices and Contracting. This framework allows the MBCC and its affiliate chapters to provide access to resources and opportunities that will stimulate the growth and success of businesses owned by African Americans throughout the state of Michigan
The MBCC plans to charter and launch additional chapters in other Michigan cities in 2012.
For more information about the Pontiac Black Chamber of Commerce visit www.pontiacblackchamber.com. For information on the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, visit www.michiganblackchamber.com.
Media Contacts: Ken L. Harris (313) 309-3316 |
Kevin L. McCormick Alchemedia Creative (248) 613-5424 |
SOURCE Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce
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