(March 30, 2012) Fresno, CA - The Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce & Chamber Foundation are pleased to announce it has received a $25,000 grant from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). The Chamber will use these funds to support its Business Diversity Project: Urban Core Economic Development Initiative.

The Initiative is a major part of the Chamber's goal to support the increase of diversity and inclusion in the Central Valley's economy through employment, management, procurement and philanthropy. The Urban Core Economic Development Initiative encourages, supports and builds the capacity of firms in Fresno's urban core to contract and do business with government and corporations through facilitating business connections and by providing supplier diversity technical assistance.

"We appreciate PG&E's continued support of this Initiative and the Chamber", says Tate Hill, president of the Fresno Metro Black Chamber & Chamber Foundation. "Their contribution allows us to continue assisting small businesses who want to expand and hire people right here in the Fresno area."

PG&E, who in 2011 spent an all time high $1.6 billion with diverse suppliers, understands the impact such initiatives can have for their company and Fresno.

"We can strengthen local economies by supporting the diverse businesses that partner with us to provide power to Northern and Central California," said Cindy Pollard, manager of government relations for PG&E. "We are proud to support the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce, because their efforts help grow jobs and provide increased opportunities for diverse businesses throughout the Central Valley."

"Fully deploying business diversity in Fresno is one of the greatest ways we can fortify the city's urban core", says Tate Hill, president of the Chamber. While people of color constituent more than 60% of Fresno County's population and 45% of its businesses, they account for less than 10% of local business revenue. "Increasing contracting revenue for urban firms owned by people of color offers one of the best stratgies to attack inner poverty, unemployment, and neighborhood decay."

PG&E was the presenting of the first Central Valley Business Diversity Expo that took place on March 28 in Fresno supporting some 200 small firms and business professionals connect and learn through supplier diversity workshops, panels, and business match making. The initiative will also assist businesses Get F.I.T. by becoming financially ready, internet smart, and technologically savvy through its 10-month series.

About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to 15 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit  www.pgecurrents.com or www.pge.com/about/newsroom/.

The Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce serves as an advocate for and facilitates the creation, development, growth, and general welfare of African-American business community in the greater Fresno area. For more information, go to www.fmbcc.com .

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