This Quarters Newsletter

California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation

CBCC Leads Charge to Green Economics

This year’s theme, “California Going Green-Emerging Market Opportunities”, was by far one of the most timely, innovative and results driven summits Los Angeles has seen in quite some time.

The California Black Chamber & Chamber Foundation are undoubtedly at the cutting edge of what's new and what's next for minority owned businesses in the state of California. The vision of the CBCC and its flourishing foundation is simple according to Aubry Stone. The ongoing development of clean energy is going to drive the US economy much like the Industrial Revolution did at the turn of the 20th Century. It is imperative that everyone fully understands the economic and social impact it is going to have on our lives and communities.

Over the course of the 3-Day Summit a flurry of things took place. On Thursday, Registrants soaked up the sun, grabbed their freshly polished golf shoes with shiny new clubs and paraded to the CBCC Foundation's Youth Scholarship Golf Classic at the breath taking Montebello Golf Course in Montebello California.

Back at the hotel history was being made with the launch of the first Junior Black Chamber of Commerce in California. The program's mission is to educate young adults ages 18 to 25 about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through educational programs.

By Friday, the President's Corporate Appreciation Luncheon was underway with an inspirational keynote address (standing room only) from Alan Fohrer, President/CEO Southern California Edison. It allowed the CBCC to publicly recognize corporate partners who in part made the summit possible.

Full summit registration was only $175! The fee included all meals, workshops, plenary sessions, networking receptions and the Ron Brown Memorial Dinner Gala featuring R&B singing sensation, Blue Magic.

"I believe that all minority business owners should have access to this event. If getting them there means the price has to be affordable, then I will always do my best to get them there. We simply want to educate and empower people", said Aubry Stone.

Business Spotlight: Lennova a million dollar business

Leonard Ortiz was born in East Los Angeles. He graduated from Santa Fe Springs High School in 1965. Leonard believed in the power of higher education and went on to graduate from Cerritos College & Long Beach State.

During his professional career Mr. Ortiz was a manager and supervisor for major corporations for over 22 years. By age 39, he had gained enough experience to own and operate his own business.

After careful planning, Leonard launched On Top Sportswear & Specialties in 1987. The firm's focus was ad specialty and promotional-wears. He landed multi-million dollar deals with municipalities, construction companies & corporations.

Read how he did it : Log on to: www.calbcc.org.

Cruise with A Cause: COC Fundraiser

The California Black Chamber of Commerce's Council of Chambers cordially invites you to cruise the Baja Peninsula May 8-11, 2009, aboard the Carnival Paradise.

Enjoy surprise guest entertainment, Educational Seminars to enhance your business and networking opportunities.

Balcony suites, Ocean views and Inside cabins are now available for single and double occupancy.

Ensenada, one of Mexico's most beautiful cities , has grown from a sleepy fishing village to become one of the most popular and exciting beach resorts. This often visited Baja destination is a multi-faceted jewel. Among its most talked about locations is the waterfront promenade, the fashionable shops of Aveinda Primera and the winery of Bodega Santo Tomas. Enjoy laid back vibes in Catalina Island, wild nightlife in Ensenda, dolphins, beaches, vineyards and sunny skies.

To reserve your cabin, contact John Long of L and M Marketing, LLC at (916) 897-8074 or register at www.calbcc.org.

Proceeds to directly benefit the growth and development of the CBCC Council of Chambers.

A Season of Giving...

In some parts of the world, you will find that a delicious cup of coffee is essential to the start of a wonderful day. It is simply one of life's most delightful pleasures. 

A satisfying brew of gourmet coffee stimulates our senses in so many ways. The tantalizing aroma of fresh coffee beans never fails to lift our spirits - it's a sensation we never grow tired of experiencing.

The rich flavor of our favorite dark roast or gourmet blend excites the palette and warms the soul. A skillfully extracted cup of espresso is most certainly a shot of heavenly splendor.

The California Black Chamber Foundation in partnership with Roast de Gourmet proudly presents its specialty gourmet coffees for your business and home. Give the gift of organic or traditional coffees this holiday season. Experience a taste of Ethiopia, Colombia, Sumatra, and Peru through specially brewed coffees that are full bodied and full of flavor.

Proceeds from the sale of the CBCC Foundation's specialty gourmet coffees will benefit the following programs: The African American Leadership & Education Congress, Juneteenth Community Educational Fundraiser, Youth In Leadership, KDEE 97.7fm Radio Project and the CBCC Foundation Youth Scholarship.

2008's Most Prestigious Awards

During the 13th Annual Ron Brown Business Economic Summit, the CBCC took the time to honor some of the most influential businesses and individuals in the state of California.

Each year the CBCC is diligent when deciding who is most deserving of such an honor.

Honorees were spiritual leaders with over 27 years of community service. Another honoree included a small business owner with humble beginnings, who now has a flourishing business with hopes of becoming a franchise. Inspiring examples of the true entrepreneurial spirit could be seen in both of the honorees for the 2008 Chambers of the Year Award: Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce and the Kern County Black Chamber.

The CBCC is proud to recognize these extraordinary men and women each and every year.

The Power of Corporate Partnerships

The California Black Chamber of Commerce hosted its 4th Quarter Corporate Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at the newly renovated Delta King on the river.

Since its inception in 1994, the CBCC has formed many partnerships and alliances with some of the most prestigious companies in the world.

The CBCC recognizes that without these key partnerships it would be impossible to continue its mission of economic empowerment for minority owned businesses.

The luncheon gave the CBCC an opportunity to personally thank its sponsors for their ongoing support of the organization.

Corporate honorees enjoyed breathtaking views and an elegant dining experience while aboard the historic Delta King.

The afternoon brunch focused on the history of the California Black Chamber of Commerce and the role that partners play in building and sustaining vibrant communities.

Are you reaching 94% of your target market? Your competition is....

Before you throw your hard earned dollars at your next advertising and marketing campaign consider using the power of radio.

Did you know that radio reaches 94% of all consumers weekly, 82% of all adult commuters use radio weekly, and radio holds more value than any other media outlet.

When you consider these statistics, it is easy to see that you may be leaving money on the table IF you are not using radio to get your message to your target audience. Radio remains the most widely used form of media today.

KDEE-LP first transmitted on Oct 24, 2004 with the philosophy "Dedicated to Economic Empowerment (KDEE)," by the California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation (CBCCF). Under the foundation, KDEE-LP stands on this philosophy:

Through financial literacy and awareness programs, well informed, people are empowered to control their own economic endeavors and create their own opportunities.

Our current stable of quality public affairs/community programs and special features include: Affordable Home Ownership, Education, Health Issues, Reducing Crime, Accessing the Political Process, Technology, Role of the Church and Community Wealth Building.

To learn more about sponsorship and underwriting opportunities at KDEE, contact Sales and Marketing at (916) 463-0177 try Email: dmccooy@calbcc.org.

In your car: 97.7fm KDEE-lp or stream anywhere in the world at www.kdeefm.org. Request your favorite song (916) 631-8599.

New Era of Leadership: Junior Black Chamber of Commerce

The California Black Chamber of Commerce represents the interest of over 50,000 African American Business owners throughout the State of California.

The purpose of the California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce will be to educate young adults ages 18 to 25 about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through educational programs, role model and mentoring opportunities, and hands-on training.

Special attention will be given to youth who reside in low-income communities throughout the state. A primary objective of the California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce is to decrease unemployment amongst African American males and to prepare young adults to be proud and responsible citizens of the 21st Century.

The Junior Black Chamber of Commerce was launched at the Ron Brown Business Economic Summit in August 2008. During the first quarter of 2009, the CBCC is expected to announce key sponsors and supporters who will be responsible for pushing the program forward. Interested? cbcc@calbcc.org

Mission Statement

To provide programs and services which strengthen our members and member organizations in their regions of operation. To advocate policies which improve business opportunities for African-Americans throughout California. To actively promote economic development and to build coalitions with other organizations throughout the state. To implement and maintain programs that promotes entrepreneurship and youth development.

History of CBCC

In 1994, a group of business and civic leaders throughout the state of California met in San Francisco to confront issues which affected their businesses. The meeting resulted in the creation of the California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC); an organization dedicated to business empowerment by improving communications between local economic development agencies, government and private business associations.

The close relationship between CBCC and California legislation enabled a partnership alliance, which encompasses civil politicians, and faith based leaders throughout the state and the country. This unique alliance allows the chamber to be a source of strength and resources for economic growth and development for its members. CBCC has received numerous mentions, honors, and pledges from such high profile minority leaders such as: Congresswoman, Diane Watson, U.S. Senator Kevin Murray, and Secretary for Department of Health and Human Services Agency, Grantland Johnson. They became lifetime members of the chamber and continue to support past achievements and future projects.

CBCC has shown tremendous growth since its humble beginning. The CBCC also understands, that there are still uncharted territory and issues that have not been addressed and it will continue to proceed with its mission and goals. The CBCC upholds the highest standards of excellence and require all members both public and private to do the same. We are proud to be in a position to effect positive change throughout the state.

Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors

The goal of The E-Forum Quarterly is to keep you informed about the various activities, programs and initiatives of the California Black Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation.

Our online publication reaches over 5,000 members, sponsors and affiliates.

Want to advertise? Want to become a featured business? Want to become a regular contributor?

Contact the Sales & Marketing Department at (916) 463-0177 or dmccooy@calbcc.org

We would love to hear from you.