Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Black Chamber of Commerce debuts with membership drive
The Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Black Chamber of Commerce hopes to build brand awareness for minority-owned businesses in Washtenaw County.
Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com
The nonprofit organization, a chapter of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, made its official debut with a membership drive last week.
“The mission of the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce as a whole is to economically empower and sustain African American businesses,” said Anistia Thomas, president of the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti chapter.
“Of the research we’ve done based upon the U.S. census, there are 3,200 African American businesses between Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor,” she continued. “There’s no organization collectively bringing them together in order to help build their brand awareness. There is a dire need for that in the area.”
The Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Black Chamber of Commerce hosted a membership drive last week at Ann Arbor's Quarter Bistro.
Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com
Thomas said the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti chapter will provide members with the tools and resources to help grow or launch their businesses. The group has more than 30 members.
Membership begins at $150 a year for sole proprietor level and $1,000 for small businesses. Thomas said anyone can join as a corporate member, but to qualify as a small business member, the business needs to be 51 percent black-owned.
“Minority-owned businesses don’t always have the resources and business acumen to help develop in order to become more profitable. …We think it’s important for us to be very resourceful in order to help them train and build and further develop,” Thomas said.
She said the organization is partnering with Google to help business owners utilize Google products and boost online presence. The group also plans to introduce a collegiate chapter in 2014 for the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University, which would offer an internship/mentorship program for interested students.
A man fills out membership forms during the Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Black Chamber of Commerce membership drive at Ann Arbor's Quarter Bistro.
Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com
Thomas said the organization won’t compete with the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce, but the goal is to collaborate.
The Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce and Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce merged in 2009, forming the A2Y Chamber.
“Collectively, with all of us working together, we’re able to help bring and empower small business dealings within the area. It’s obvious there is a huge need for that in the area,” she said.
The Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti chapter operates out of Thomas’ insurance agency office at 283 S. Zeeb Road.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
braves03
Thu, Jul 25, 2013 : 3:18 p.m.
I think this is great and for those commenting on creating a "White Chamber of Commerece" just stop because you already have one. The races can't come together because minorities are still treated as 2nd class citizens in a country that we helped build. All we ask is to be treated fairly and as an equal. Instead of being critical, why not sit down and have a adult conversation on race relations. It might open your eyes to things going on in the community that you have no idea about or don't care about because it doesn't affect you and your family!
Thomas Jones
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 12:39 p.m.
I am starting the "Red Chamber of Commerce" for those who are embarrassed by this...The A2Y Chamber does a great job already. One step forward, 4 steps back sad sad sad
nekm1
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 11:55 a.m.
Oh boy, another way to bring the races together. We might be the only place in the world where citizens identify themselves by color, and not by humanity. Enough already!
Jaime Magiera
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 2:02 a.m.
It's a shame that such a simple news article has to become politicized. However, it's worth noting: Less than 50 years ago, the black population in this country was unable to eat, drink, socialize in the same spaces as whites. They were forbidden from marrying people outside of their heritage. They had limited access to resources - in particular, those related to business and finance. They were disadvantaged in pretty much every aspect of society. 50 years is not a very long time at all. As such, it makes complete sense that the black community would want to create resources to support each other in business and finance. Nobody is being excluded in this scenario. There are still many other chambers of commerce in this city, state and country. It's simply a group to help those in a community that was disenfranchised for so long.
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 9:12 p.m.
OK, JayThomas, prove it. Prove that blacks "in the north" had the same equal opportunities to get access to resources, infrastructure, bank loans, capital, etc. I'll wait.
Jay Thomas
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 11:14 p.m.
You are talking about the southern states. Blacks have been voting and doing those other things in the north for centuries and I can prove it.
Jaime Magiera
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 7:19 p.m.
How are minority-based businesses excluding other races? Can you cite a specific example of how this would cut into opportunities for "non-black" owned businesses?
Sue
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 2:15 p.m.
Good, they can support each other, but I am not going to be supporting any minority businesses that seeks to exclude other races. They want to stick together and not support white businesses, fine, but that goes two ways. It's the same with business owners who exclude people based on their religious or political views, I will not support them either.
martini man
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 12:39 a.m.
I think it's great that the BLACK Chamber of Commerce is looking for new members ..Now can anyone give me the address of the WHITE Chamber of Commerce so I can join ???
Jaime Magiera
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 1:46 a.m.
What is your ethnic heritage? I'm sure we can direct you to one of the many chambers of commerce along those lines.
Jay Thomas
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 8:23 p.m.
To address what other people are saying, a "white chamber of commerce" would be considered racism and attacked as such (as well as a "white society of engineers" or any other professional group which networks). The whole point of having this double standard in America was to forbid white people from discriminating in their own favor, while openly encouraging non-white people to do just that. It's worked SO WELL that there are dozens of ethnic groups doing better than white people now. But as long as blacks are doing worse, it can never be allowed. I don't want one by the way. But the double standard is galling.
Jaime Magiera
Tue, Jul 23, 2013 : 9:19 p.m.
Other races, in particular the black population, have higher average incomes than the white population? OK, lets see your numbers from a credible source. Here are some numbers, from a credible source, that directly contradict what you claim. http://tinyurl.com/6lk8khs .
Jay Thomas
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 11:16 p.m.
Higher average incomes.
Jaime Magiera
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 10:38 p.m.
"Doing better than white people"? What does that even mean?
YpsiGirl4Ever
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 7:49 p.m.
Great event, hosted beautifully and was pleased to network with other minority owned business owners in Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor. Looking forward to the next meeting, indeed!
Martha Cojelona Gratis
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 7:07 p.m.
Their purpose is to improve our local economy and that affects everyone. I wish them the best!
aamom
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 5:59 p.m.
Are they forming this because the Ann Arbor/Ypsi Chamber of Commerce doesn't offer these kinds of services or do they feel the current chamber discriminates against them? I wasn't clear on why the current chamber of commerce wasn't meeting their needs.
Late
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 4:30 p.m.
I don't know. People say we are all one, as long as it is the minorities and low SES serving you right? Personally, I would much rather frequent a predominately black business district. They have more culture and depth. Coming from a city with a large african american population I saw where something like this was much needed. Black americns contribute a lot to our culture. I am tired of frequenting superficial business districts of people who are so full of themselves and mentally isolate anyone who is not like them.
towncryer
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 2:39 a.m.
Agree with "Late" about the spelling/grammar nazi's in regards to comments. With people using smartphones and iPads, etc, when commenting, it's a little trite, imo. Maybe just stick to the issues? Now go ahead and pick away ~giant eye roll~
Late
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 8:56 p.m.
Good for you for pointing out my grammatical errors on a touch screen. Oo. I'm scared.
YpsiGirl4Ever
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 7:59 p.m.
"Black americns contribute a lot to our culture. I am tired of frequenting superficial business districts of people who are so full of themselves and mentally isolate anyone who is not like them." First, the word is Americans -- not americns. Nouns are capitalized and the letter "a" is between the c and n. Second the purpose of Chamber of Commerce's organizations in general is to network with fellow business OWNERS, creating synergy, developing cooperative partnerships and build potential revenue for a business by referrals. Consumers are likely to pardon a business that has been referred by a friend, associate, another business leader or associate they know. Usually, this is exactly how businesses began to build sustainable revenue to continue operations in the entity first 3 to 5 years. So, with such, I'm offended by your words of, "Superficial business districts of people who are so full of themselves and mentally isolate anyone who is not like them" and suggest you learn more about the purposes of Chamber of Commerce's, in general.
Late
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 6:07 p.m.
And I've been fortunate enough to meet some young professionals who do not carry this type at all. Was so happy
Late
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 5:57 p.m.
I do like a2 though because they are at least a friendly town. I think they do a phenomenal job job with the city. There are some really nice people here and I've decided not to let a few taint it.
Late
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 5:48 p.m.
where im from its more like going from the lions den to the cat fight. And the weirdest part is i dont kow what they have to get all worked up about. More like whiney than attitude.
Steven Taylor
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 4:56 p.m.
If you don't want to deal with the A2 attitude.. Feel free to shop in Ypsi :) We love the business.
Jaime Magiera
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 4:10 p.m.
Good luck on this venture!
SMAIVE
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 3:34 p.m.
"but to qualify as a small business member, the business needs to be 51 percent black-owned." Really? How is this not an issue in anyone's eyes who joins this organization? Expectations such as that was how business was handled in the City of Detroit. I had hoped we learned from past mistakes, but guess not.
Sue
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 1:51 p.m.
I think we need a white chamber of commerce too...or maybe that would be considered raicism??? You know that goes both ways, whites don't like the racially exclusiveness of things any more than blacks did or would. If we are ever to move beyond the divide of racism, we need to quit dividing people based on the color of their skin, from all races, not just the whites.
Jay Thomas
Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 11:39 p.m.
My point is a "white chamber of commerce" would be considered racist and attacked as such. Just as a "National Association for the Advancement of White People" would be. It would have to be something like a Serbian chamber of commerce to not be attacked (and made up of mostly immigrants that have not been here very long -- if you check -- even if the ethnic group has been here for a century). But listen. If people choose to self segregate themselves I consider that to be their business. But don't pretend that it's not discrimination to give business or jobs to people of your ethnic group --> because they are of your ethnic group. It's the very definition of discrimination. White people are the only ones the U.S. government is really prosecuting for not hiring or giving business to minorities. You can have 500 blacks in a black owned company... no problem. An entire company made up of 2000 Indians on H1B visas doing jobs Americans used to right here in America... no lawsuit by the government. They look the other way on a regular basis. Ethnic discrimination has become normalized as long as it isn't being done by white people.
YpsiGirl4Ever
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 8:40 p.m.
No Jay, not for every Caucasian-American person but: There is a Slavic-American Chamber of Commerce -http://slavicamericanchamber.org/news__events and Slavs are considered, "The worldwide population of people of Slavic descent is close to 350 million, making Slavs among the largest panethnicities in the world." - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavs Along with a Irish-American Chamber - Michigan Irish American Chamber of Commerce - http://michiganirishchamber.com/ And a Italian-American Chamber of Commerce - http://www.iaccm.net/ So, what's your point exactly Jay?
Jay Thomas
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 8:15 p.m.
There is an ethnic advocacy group for every white person, Jaime? Ha ha.
Jaime Magiera
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 4:03 p.m.
There are plenty of business groups and chambers of commerce based on ethnicity and heritage.
bitbrain
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 1:05 p.m.
You've got to be kidding me. When are we going to get over this? The more this kind of stuff happens, the more a separation is created between African Americans and everyone else. I'm an Eastern European American and I would never think of having my own exclusionary club. Can't the African American community see that this hurts them in the long run? BTW, what percentage of African American do you have to be?
Jay Thomas
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 8:07 p.m.
The article references ownership of the business (51% share) but it doesn't really define who is "black". Obama for example is more non black (white and arab DNA) than black. George Zimmerman has black ancestry... so would he qualify as black for this?
YpsiGirl4Ever
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 7:51 p.m.
Replying before reading the article, we see.
Superior Twp voter
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 6:43 p.m.
51 % (?)
The Picker
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 12:42 p.m.
The name seems a bit exclusionary !
msrock1954
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 12:05 p.m.
E Pluribus Unum! Black, yellow, red, Mexican, when will we ever learn to come together as one?
Michelle Valasin
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 10:33 p.m.
Late posted. "Women have to go to college to get a better paying job. They certainly can't get a construction job making 20/hr like men." Why not? Last I checked I am a woman and I did work in the construction field for several years including being a Heavy Equipment Operator.
Late
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 9:20 p.m.
Women have to go to college to get a better paying job. They certainly can't get a construction job making 20/hr like men. Men are able to find work that doesn't require a degree with higher wages more than women. Although women in College might be higher, if I'm wrong, you choose to go to college. Maybe more women are enrolling but it doesn't mean the playing field is even as far as employment and wages. Plus the types of careers (degrees) women are socialized into are less pay.
Jay Thomas
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 8:01 p.m.
@Martha: Things like this do not simply stop when "the playing field levels out." Take college for example. There are now 3 women for every two men. But they insist on special groups there also.
Jaime Magiera
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 4 p.m.
OLDTIMER3, technically, we all come from Africa (see: Olduvai Gorge). At any rate, the usage of African American was an attempt to distance themselves from negative labels and embrace their (more immediate) geographic origin. I'm not sure what you mean about not seeing "X American". Go down to Hamtramck or Wyandotte, where you will see references to "Polish American". You can also find plenty of references to "Italian American". There are also "Native Americans". Etc.
OLDTIMER3
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 1:30 p.m.
I never see German American, Chinese American, Japanese American, why do we continue to call Black Americans African Americans. They aren't unless they were born in Africa. What is a white person born in Africa called?
Martha Cojelona Gratis
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 1:27 p.m.
When the playing field levels out.
Angil Tarach-Ritchey RN, GCM
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 12:03 p.m.
When are we going to see that labeling continues to feed into prejudism? Not in a million years could anyone start a "White Chamber of Commerce" and not be drug through the mud for prejudism. Going back to race separation does not add to the community. When the community comes together in all races is when real progress begins.
Michelle Valasin
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 10:28 p.m.
The fact of the matter is, Why must we keep throwing White, Black, Yellow or any other color into names. The Chamber of Commerce covers everyone. I am an American. My neighbors,of all races, are American. African-American should only mean that YOU were born in Africa and now are a citizen of The United States of America. African-American also does not mean that the person is of color. That goes for Italian- American's, Lebanese-Americans and all the other groups also.
YpsiGirl4Ever
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 8:28 p.m.
Do you know that a number of minority based ethnic background business organizations exist right here in Michigan. Google it: -Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - http://mhcc.org/ -Michigan Irish American Chamber of Commerce - http://michiganirishchamber.com/ -American Arab American Chamber of Commerce (a Michigan Headquartered Organization) http://www.americanarab.com/ -Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce - http://www.apacc.net/ So your point of: "White Chamber of Commerce" and not be drug through the mud for prejudism," wrote Tarach-Ritchey, RN, GCM on Ann Arbor.com comment section 7/21/2013. First, the word is prejudice and "prejudism" does not exist in any Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Second, do you have a similar issue with the Irish American Chamber of Commerce because amazingly, I don't at all. Third, if you prefer to place titles referring degrees or achievements received by academia accomplishment(s) earned with your name on Ann Arbor.com, you might want to write replies using the word "prejudice", spell accurately and use correct sentence structure. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prejudice
ypsi
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 5:32 p.m.
I could not agree more.Thank You
Jaime Magiera
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.
There are certainly Italian-American, Lebanese-American, etc. business groups. There are many African nations, it would be hard to account for all. So, "Black" works fine.
DDOT1962
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 10:58 a.m.
"Of the research we've done based upon the U.S. census, there are 3,200 African American businesses between Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor," That number seems a bit outlandish, no?
Jaime Magiera
Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 4 p.m.
Based on...?