Business
Flint Black Chamber of Commerce becomes newest member of Statewide Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce Network
(PRNewswire) – The Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC), the governing body for all black chamber of commerce organizations within the state of Michigan, has launched the Flint Black Chamber of Commerce (FBCC).
The launch of the FBCC 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 Flint Black Chamber serves the greater Flint area and Genesee County.
“The Flint Black Chamber of Commerce is the leading resource of information, advocacy and opportunities for all of the nearly 4,500 black-owned businesses in Flint and Genesee County,” said Preston Means, President of the Flint Black Chamber of Commerce. “The Flint Black Chamber intends to be the voice of the Flint-based, African American business owner, helping them to take advantage of the opportunities that exist across the great state of Michigan.”
According to 2007 U.S. Census figures, there are over 72,000 African American-owned businesses in the city of Michigan. African American consumers in Michigan possess US$8.3 billion in collective buying power.
Nationally, there are nearly 2 million African American-owned businesses employing nearly 1 million people. Census figures from 2007 show that black-owned firms increased by 45 percent, compared to the national average growth of 10 percent. Black-owned companies that generate more than US$1 million in annual revenue grew by an average of 19 percent to US$5.4 million in 2007.
“The Flint Black Chamber of Commerce immediately becomes a much needed beacon and resource for the nearly 4,500 black-owned businesses in Genesee County,” said Ken Harris, President and CEO of The Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce. “The FBCC will play a key role in the economic development and advocacy for African American businesses in the mid-Michigan region.”
The Flint 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.
