Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce Establishes
African American Advisory Group

(FLINT, MICHIGAN, MAY 21, 2009) The Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today the formation of an African American Advisory Group (AAAG) to advise the Regional Chamber about the barriers, challenges and opportunities facing the African American small business community. Read the article from The Flint Journal.

"We have been reaching out since October 2007 when we asked a group of local African American business persons and community leaders to come to the Regional Chamber and advise us about key issues," said Tim Herman, Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO. "We have had many persons express their views over the last several months and we now have a committed body of volunteers working to improve the business environment in the African American community."

Leon Knott, broker/owner of Genesee Valley Real Estate, was elected Chairman of the advisory group at a meeting held in April. Rick Carter, Executive Director of Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT), was elected Vice Chair. (Click here, for a complete list of members and officers).

Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce photo Tim Herman (right), CEO of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, shakes hands with Leon Knott, broker/owner of Genesee Valley Real Estate and Chairman of the African American Advisory Group, after introducing him during a press conference May 21, 2009. The press conference announced the formation of the advisory group and introduced some of the members and officers.

"We believe this is an opportunity to bring assistance to minority small businesses across Genesee County," said Knott. "Many services that small businesses need are already available through the Regional Chamber and a network of small business service providers it works with in Genesee County."

The Regional Chamber provides assistance in obtaining government contracts set aside for small businesses through its Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). In 2008 the Regional Chamber PTAC helped over 500 area businesses land $22.4 million in government contracts. It also directs small business owners to service providers through an e-Team program which links small businesses to free services across the county.

A core group of volunteers worked for several months to develop a preliminary working plan. Several steps were taken in advance of the official formation of the AAAG. The Regional Chamber brought together businesses owners to discover challenges and opportunities in facilitated round table discussions held in late 2008 and January of 2009. Over 20 businesses participated in the sessions we held, Herman reported, and we discovered some common themes that we can address in a strategic planning effort.

Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce photos Dr. Julianne Princinsky (left), Baker College of Flint president and Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce Operating Board chairman, and Leon Knott, broker/owner of Genesee Valley Real Estate and Chairman of the African American Advisory Group, announce the formation of the advisory group during a press conference on May 21, 2009.

"One of our key findings," said Carter, "is that small business owners need information on the resources currently available in the community. If we can help more small businesses use available resources to become more successful we will help more people find employment. When we link service providers with those in need, we create opportunity. We can build on that success to take on larger issues. Success breeds success."

"One of the important components of this effort is that we want to build, with the Regional Chamber's assistance, an accomplishable strategic plan that will move the entire community forward," said Knott. "Rebuilding our community takes many hands and many people working for the same outcome. We believe we can make a difference if we stay committed and stay at the table."

The Advisory Group will spend the next several months working on a strategic planning initiative to present to the Regional Chamber board. When adopted, the Advisory Group will work with the Regional Chamber on implementing the plan.

"We won't solve all the problems of the small business community," said Herman. "What we hope to do is apply human capital and initiative to reaching accomplishable goals."

The African American Advisory Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Regional Chamber offices. For more information on the AAAG and its activities contact Leon Knott at 810-691-0658.

Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce photo Members of the African America Advisory Group and the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, from left: Nell Taylor, AAAG Chairman Leon Knott, Inez Brown, Dr. Julianne Princinsky, Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce Operating Board chairman, Tendaji Ganges, Rev. Reggie Flynn, AAAG Vice Chair Rick Carter, Linda Ryals-Massey, Lewis Driskell, Fred Howard, and Regional Chamber CEO Tim Herman.