In 11 years the Tennessee Multicultural Chamber of Commerce has helped local businesses secure more than $233 million in contracts, attracted more than 600 members and helped to establish profitable networks for small businesses, officials said.
“In this room you are champions,” political commentator Donna Brazile told Chamber members Thursday. “You’ve been the voice of small businesses. You’ve been a bridge that has tried to bring jobs and economic development to this area. Now you need some wind at your back so that you can keep doing what you’re doing.”
The national political analyst and author was the main speaker for the Tennessee Multicultural Chamber of Commerce’s 11th anniversary celebration and annual fundraiser.
Chamber President and CEO Sherrie Gilchrist said the organization’s goal is to build communities and create generational wealth.
“Every day we’re given the opportunity to exist we are closing the economic gap in this community,” Ms. Gilchrist said.
Nearly 640 people attended the fundraiser, according to Chamber officials.
The celebration dinner comes months after city officials agreed to cut the organization’s funding from $150,000 a year to $75,000. The chamber wants to raise at least $100,000 through the dinner, organizers said.
THE HONOREESThe Tennessee Multicultural Chamber of Commerce 2010 honorees were recognized at the 11-year anniversary celebration and banquet Thursday. The honorees include the following:* Erlanger Health System* Gwendolyn W. Blackmon, owner of the River City Group* Lee Otis Burton, owner of American Custom Manufacturing Inc.* Michael and Angela Hayes, owners of Hayes Network, Inc.* Kathy Sok, president of Reliable Building Solutions Inc.
The audience included Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield, who introduced Ms. Brazile, Hamilton County commissioners and other elected officials. Ms. Brazile encouraged them all to support the chamber.
She said economists say the recession began in December 2007, but the chamber and small-business owners know it started before then because, before people went to government agencies for help, they knocked on the doors of neighborhood businesses looking for work.
Those in need knew some business owners would open their doors and provide help, Ms. Brazile said.
Chamber officials say small businesses are the first line of defense against unemployment.
“That is why it’s important that the Tennessee Multicultural Chamber of Commerce continue in efforts to rebuild economic growth in this region and in this state,” Ms. Brazile said. “But you can’t do it alone. And you can’t do it with one hand tied behind your back. You need friends. You need allies. You need supporters. You need to be lifted up.”
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