The Chairman Message

- Theresa Harris -

Welcome to the Columbus Black & Minority Chamber of Commerce in the heart of Columbus and the Fort Benning area.  It’s a pleasure to serve the greater Columbus area and our military.

Columbus Black & Minority Chamber was founded during a time of significant black American history:  The election of our country’s first African American President, Barack Obama.  As a community of business owners, we are deeply rooted in the belief that the best social thinkers of our time understood the role that economic progress plays in a community’s development so we united together in a common bond of business unity.  Our business is consistent with our place in history.  Our mission is simple: to advance the general welfare and prosperity of the greater Columbus area.

CBMCC represents many different facets and diversities within our communities to work together to create, grow and proliferate black and minority owned businesses.  We will serve as a clearing house, referral, and small business incubator to equip, empower, and inform businesses.  The spirit of entrepreneurship is very strong in the minority community and this chamber will partner will organizations in support of developing and implementing programs to teach adults how to become an entrepreneur.

While the focus of our organization exist to focus on black and minority businesses, our membership is open to all persons regardless of race, creed, origin or political affiliation.  Membership in CBMCC should be considered essential for any business big or small operating in Columbus GA.  I’m very proud of the role that CBMCC will play in the lives of businesses.  Our primary mission is that of advocacy and promoting economic growth in the business arena.

Our first year is sure to be full of challenges, but we will not be shaken.  A lack of funding is one of the leading cause of minority business failure.   As we understand the significance of the relationship between business and the economy we will make lasting partnerships, experience exponential growth and develop successful business strategies and launch a  “State of Black & Minority Business” report as a scorecard for how we measure doing business.

CBMCC will leverage its partnerships to provide discounts for healthcare, office supplies, business insurance, cell phone, telephone, and other business expenses.  We will pursue all opportunities to help businesses relocate or expand operations in the greater Columbus area.  We will make efforts with universities, financial centers, and government to increase awareness and enhance opportunities to secure contracts, grants and funding and provide technical assistance in meeting requirements for doing business with each of these entities.

As we approach success, let us be always mindful that “Out of Many, We Can Become One.”  It  is my desire that we create, manage, mentor, expand, and cultivate healthy lasting business relationships.