2016 Moving Forward
Our Mission:
The mission of the Black Chamber of Arizona (BCA) is to improve the economic development of our business entrepreneurs and the communities we serve.
Our Vision:
The BCA serves as the cornerstone for educational training, resource programs, resources and economic growth opportunities with a specific emphasis on “Business In Action.�
Our Purpose:
The BCA facilitates the economic empowerment of the African-American business community in Arizona and our members through the promotion of entrepreneurship on a variety of levels, including, but not limited to: • Offering leadership and advocacy in efforts regarding economic, political and social issues, • Facilitating relationships between BCA members, existing Blackowned businesses and the Arizona 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 Black-owned enterprises in their beginning stages, and • Acting as a clearinghouse for information, opportunity and dialogue.
201 East Washington Street, Suite 440 • Phoenix, AZ 85004 • Phone (602) 307-5200 • Fax (602) 307-5204 Website: www.blackchamberaz.com
Kerwin Brown Preside nt & CEO Leonardo Loo General Counsel Quarles & Brady LLP
BOAR D OF DIR ECTOR S Marchelle Franklin Board Chair, City of Phoenix Police Department Nicole Davis, Esq. Board Vice Chair Baskin Richards, PLC Netoya Evans Board Secretary S alt R iver P roject (SRP) Robin S. Reed Board Treasurer Occam Sustainability Partners Tommy Ashley Health Choice Preferred Sheldon Caldwell - Meeks COX Communications Eddie Davis A rizona P ublic S ervice (APS) Karl Gentles
On behalf of our Board of Directors, members, volunteers and staff, it is with great pleasure that I thank you for your interest in the Black Chamber of Arizona (BCA). This is a great time to be in business! Our economy has recovered from a long recession, interest in business is returning and entrepreneurship is high. Collaborations and partnerships are helping businesses of all sizes maximize their resources and meet their goals. We know that your company is deeply committed partnering with diverse communities. Those partnerships include workforce, suppliers and consumers, and we value that commitment. Today, the BCA is in a strong position to assist you in achieving your business goals. Our long history of service and leadership has made the BCA one of the largest and most impactful African-American organizations in the Phoenix metropolitan area and, with our expansion in 2015, the state of Arizona. The BCA offers numerous programs, events and services to promote the businesses within our membership, share partnership opportunities, provide productive and efficient business practices and act as a clearinghouse for information, opportunities and dialog. I encourage you to join us at one of our events so that you can continue to engage with our membership and take full advantage of what a BCA membership offers. The contents of this package will highlight how, by partnering together, we can effectively reach the Black business community here in Arizona. Thank you again for your interest in joining our organization. We look forward to partnering with your company.
Karl Gentles Public Relations
In the spirit of success,
Glenn Hammer
Kerwin B. Brown
Arizona Chamber of Commerce Eric Hammons PointB Management Consultants James Jessie Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau Mark Molzen Century Link Terrence Spencer Edward Jones
Kerwin B. Brown President & CEO Black Chamber of Arizona
Our Five Pillars of Success Advocacy The Black Chamber of Arizona (BCA) fights for legislation that promotes small business growth, particularly policies that address the challenges of Black business owners. We understand the importance of maintaining a bipartisan approach to advocacy, and hence, strive to collaborate with policy makers from all political affiliations to advocate for policies that best serve the interest of the Black community. Access to Capital Access to capital remains the most important factor limiting the establishment, expansion and growth of Black-owned businesses. The BCA works with financial institutions to create avenues by which Black businesses can gain greater access to credit, capital and other financial instruments. Contracting At the BCA, our goal is to level the playing field by helping members gain access to business opportunities in private and public sectors. We accomplish this by educating members on contract opportunities, helping them increase their capacity to bid for large scale contracts and offering resources and information that enhance Black owners’ ability to compete. Entrepreneur Training We are committed to helping Black business leaders achieve stellar performance and growth through entrepreneur and business management training. We deliver quality educational opportunities and professional development resources that help our members grow and maintain successful businesses. Business Development The growth and development of members, businesses and individuals is a core focus of the BCA. As such, we leverage our role as a regional organization, provide technical assistance and leadership training to members, and facilitate the sharing of best practices and industry data among our membership. To do this, we utilize a variety of mechanisms including training, web-based tools, peer networking, coaching and information products.
Our Leadership BCA Board of Directors Marchelle Franklin
Board Chair, City of Phoenix Police Department
Nicole Davis, Esq.
Board Vice Chair, Baskin Richards, PLC
Netoya Evans
Board Secretary, Salt River Project (SRP)
Robin S. Reed
Board Treasurer, Occam Sustainability Partners
Tommy Ashley
Health Choice Preferred
Sheldon Caldwell-Meeks COX Communications Eddie Davis
Arizona Public Service (APS)
Karl Gentles
Karl Gentles Public Relations
Glenn Hammer
Arizona Chamber of Commerce
Eric Hammons
PointB Management Consultants
James Jessie
Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau
Mark Molzen
Century Link
Terrence Spencer
Edward Jones
2016 Legislative Agenda The BCA and its members are guided by the following principles and stand behind the agenda items outlined below: Support advancement of Arizona’s education competitiveness The BCA supports policies that provide for current and future funding for P-20 education, equity in funding across school districts, advances the competitiveness of our state universities and community colleges, and fosters workforce, technical training and job development education. Many AfricanAmerican students are educated in charter schools; therefore, the BCA encourages responsible growth and oversight of the Arizona charter school system in ways that compliment the state public education system. Promote the economic development, capacity building, and entrepreneurial environment for Arizona’s small businesses The BCA supports policies that encourage increased access to public and private capital and supports the development of new businesses and expansion of existing businesses. We support efforts on the state and local level that increases business success opportunities, encourages collaboration and furthers development of public-private partnerships that support investment in small business. Governments at all levels rely on small business as a driving engine of their economies by providing critical products and services to their citizens. Support for small business capacity building policies is designed to promote the strength and viability of the sector and helps small businesses grow to large businesses. Promote Arizona as an attractive place to start and grow a business The BCA supports the State’s efforts to improve the brand and image of Arizona as an attractive place to start, expand and grow businesses. We support the growth of a diverse workforce and attraction of new businesses with similar core operating values. The BCA encourages the inclusion of the State’s Black and minority business voices in shaping the perception and image of the State’s business environment.
Membership Benefits General Member Benefits - $350 • • • • • • • • • • • • •
12-month membership that begins on the day you sign up Membership certificate Company listing on the BCA website business directory “Proud Member” logo for your website and printed materials Free publicity opportunities in the “News & Events” e-newsletter and on BCA social media platforms Opportunity to display promotional materials at the BCA office, BCA events and community events where the BCA has an information table Opportunity to exhibit your product or service at the annual State of the Chamber event and networking events Advertising opportunities on the BCA website Referral and lead opportunities Participation in the Member-to-Member discount program Discounts on admission to BCA programs and events Invitations to special events Use of BCA conference room (as space is available)
Corporate Member Benefits Associate Member - $5,000
General Member benefits, plus: • Company logo and hyperlink to your company website on the BCA homepage • Statewide advocacy and the chance to disseminate key information on public policy issues facing the valley and state • Branding and exhibitor opportunities at a BCA signature event • Opportunity to host and/or be a presenter at a networking event, conference or workshop • Opportunity to strategically connect with businesses from the entrepreneurial, corporate, nonprofit, educational, government and religious sectors
Partner Member - $10,000
Associate Member benefits, plus: • Silver Sponsorship benefits at our Annual Awards Banquet • Branding and exhibitor opportunities at four BCA events
Visionary Member - $15,000
Partner Member benefits, plus: • You will receive custom benefits and signature branding opportunities to maximize your investment
Signature Programs
Pathways to Small Business Success Entrepreneurial Business Training Program This class is structured for the busy business owner, with weekly sessions of three hours each. The duration of the program is one year with 16 weeks of actual classroom time. PROCUREMENT Workshops Procurement workshops are designed to educate small business owners on the processes necessary to do business with government agencies and large corporations. Workshops feature discussions on a variety of topics that are helpful for anyone involved in business, from owners and managers to entry-level procurement employees. These workshops will provide opportunities for our members and guests to meet key contacts and facilitate relationships with the featured company, thus accessing current, invaluable information on business opportunities and bidding.
Women of Color Business Collaborative The vision of the Women of Color Business Collaborative (WOCBC) is to help women of color build strong collaborations that will take their businesses to new levels of success. The annual Women of Color Business Collaborative Conference is designed to be one of Arizona’s premier business conferences, specifically addressing the needs of business owners who are also women of color. All events branded under the WOCBC reflect the BCA’s commitment to business development. WOCBC Outcomes The Women of Color Business Collaborative seeks to achieve the following: • Empower women minority business owners to access information, professional development, peer networking, and educational and mentoring opportunities, • Provide a forum for the exchange of dialogue on topics and issues pertinent to women minority business owners in Arizona, • Encourage WOCBC members to collaborate, share resources and become more involved in the communities in which they live and work, and • Educate WOCBC members on the resources that have been established to assist business owners to succeed in Arizona.
2016 Events January and June Women of Color Business Collaborative Networking Events
This event provides an avenue for women entrepreneurs to network and collaborate. Event attendance: 5075 women
February 18th Annual Awards Banquet
The Awards Banquet recognizes the accomplishments of business and community leaders throughout Arizona. Estimated attendance: 300+ individuals
March Legislative Reception
The reception will connect constituents with State Legislators to initiate dialogue on issues.
April Membership Drive
This month will have a specific focus on membership recruitment and retention.
May US Black Chamber School of Chamber and Business Management
This conference focuses on providing access to opportunities to grow Black Chambers and Black businesses.
July
Entrepreneurship Workshop & Matchmaking Event with Henkel Corporation This event is designed to educate members on maximizing business opportunities with Henkel. Estimated attendance: 30 business representatives.
August Member Appreciation Event
During this month, the BCA will sponsor a variety of member-only events.
September Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference
This conference is the leading policy conference on issues impacting African Americans.
October
Women of Color Business Collaborative Annual Conference
This annual conference is designed to be one of Arizona’s premier business conferences, specifically addressing the needs of business owners who are also women of color.
December
State of the Black Chamber Event
This annual year-end event recaps the year’s activities and highlights future programs and services.
Our Sponsors Aetna Arizona Public Service (APS) Allstate Insurance Blue Cross/Blue Shield Century Link City of Phoenix Coleman Dahm & Associates Cox Communications Edward Jones Google Health Choice Henkel Corporation JP Morgan Chase Maricopa Community Colleges PetSmart Salt River Project (SRP) Southwest Airlines Southwest Gas Superstition Springs Chrysler University of Phoenix Wells Fargo
Black Chamber of Arizona 201 E. Washington Street, Suite 440 Phoenix, AZ 85004 602.307.5200 - phone 602.307.5204 - fax info@blackchamberaz.com www.blackchamberaz.com Regional Headquarters of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
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