The past month and a half have been exciting for the Chamber. From the Spring Power Breakfast at Harlem's Wings & Waffles and starting the web re-design to Fresno Juneteenth and advocating for business interest before City Council, we have been busy working on the behalf of our members and the Black business community.

Last month, we were proud to host US Black Chamber president, Ron Busby's first trip to Fresno as he spoke in support of minority contracting and high speed rail. We led a coalition that included Assemblymember Henry Perea, Councilmember Oliver Baines and a group of ethnic chambers and businesses associations from Stockton to Bakersfield in support of encouraging small & minority business opportunities within the CA High Speed Rail project. We ended the month with a BBPN mixer at Sam's Club with guests from the Central CA Hispanic Chamber and where members were offered a $20 gift card with their Club membership.

The month of June was equally interesting for the Chamber Foundation as the partnering organization and fiscal agent for the 2011 Fresno Juneteenth Celebration. This partnership with the Juneteenth Collaborative Committee allowed for greater Chamber member event contracts and a 260% increase in the budgeted revenue through sponsorship and vendors fees. Results: an estimated 3,000-5,000 participants over the three-day festival.  To top it off this month, the Foundation received its' official letter of determination from the IRS certifying it as a 501(c)3 organization.

This summer, we aren't taking any breaks. July holds the Chamber Foundation's inaugural Juneteenth Scholar Luncheon to benefit local African-American students. We will launch our website with features like a searchable member directory, video library and the Fresno African-American data center. In August, we are planning the 'Back to School, Back to Work' Job Fair at Manchester Center to assist employers connect to job seekers for the busy holiday season. In addition, we will celebrate Black Business Month in August by recognizing the 100 most influential African-Americans in the Fresno area. This all leads us to the Fresno Urban Leadership Conference, September 30 & October 1.

As the sun sizzles, we want to help heat up your business. Feel free to contact us about any of our upcoming events to learn how they can help you and your business.

J. Tate Hill II, President  

Fresno Metro Black Chamber

Fresno Metro Black Chamber Foundation  

LEADERSHIP ADVANTAGE SEMINARS (L.A.S.)

The purpose of Leadership Advantage Seminars is to provide current and emerging leaders with

pertinent information that empowers them to influence, unite and direct people to address critical challenges within the organizations and communities they serve.

Seminar #5 - Building a Winning Culture: The Emerging Value of Values 

Tuesday, June 28

8:30 AM

Tornino's  (Blackstone, just north of Shaw behind La Ventana's) 

Invest in the Chamber:

Join FMBCC at the LAS and a portion of your ticket will come back to the Chamber.*

Call for the seminar & Chamber's special tickets prices, 559-441-7929.

* The Chamber has sponsored a table and has a limited number available complimentary tickets for members. Call to reserve your seat by TODAY 6 PM. Preference will be given to members.