Dear Leaders & Partners,
There are a few words that have entered the common lexicon that have been gratuitously applied to individuals and organizations alike – sometimes with absolutely ZERO accompanying reason.
Two of these words, though, have proved particularly appropriate when used to describe the impact of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
The words? “Disrupter” and “Influencer.”In less than two decades, the USBC has altered America’s business landscape by disrupting the status quo understanding of the role of Black-owned businesses in addressing AND solving many of the economic challenges faced in communities across the country. The radiating influence of this disruption stretches from Washington DC to communities called home by nearly 400,000 Black-owned businesses and more than 175 chambers of commerce that work on their behalf.
From President Ron Busby, to the amazing team of professionals he has assembled, to the dedicated board of directors with whom I have the honor of serving, I can state – without fear of contradiction – that the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. has earned the rank of “influencer” and legitimate claim to being “The Voice of Black Business”!
Through our now Six Pillars of Service – Advocacy, Access to Capital, Access to Opportunity, Business Development, Chamber Development, and now ever more critical – INFORMATION, the USBC strives to address EVERY challenge faced by Black-owned businesses both today and into the future.
In fact, this first installment of messages from “The Chairman’s Corner” highlights what I believe is the perfect synthesis of the work we are committed to. The USBC Media Network, resulting from our absorption of the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB – over 200 radio and television stations), our close relationship with the National Newspaper Publishers Association and their 200+ Black-owned newspapers, and a growing network of podcasters, bloggers and vloggers, we are committed to ensuring that Black America has access to the information vital to sound economic decision making.
I invite you to join us in this work. Join your local Black chamber of commerce, allow us to assist in launching one if it doesn’t exist in your community, join the USBC and take advantage of the business-building resources available to our members.
We’re already working hard for YOU – but we’re the “US” Black Chambers, Inc. Our success is guaranteed when you’re on board!
I’d like to hear from you and welcome your feedback to chairman@usblackchambers.org.
Let’s connect on LinkedIn: Charles O’Neal | LinkedIn
“If you want to go fast, go alone – if you want to go far, GO TOGETHER!”
Let’s keep the momentum strong as we move into April. I look forward to continuing the conversation with you next month in Chairman’s Corner.
Charles O’Neal
Board of Directors Chair | U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
