|
History of the Corpus Christi
Black Chamber of Commerce
The Corpus Christi
Black Chamber of Commerce was chartered in 1943 as The Negro Chamber of
Commerce. It was the first chamber of its kind in the area, and
was founded as a means to explore and initiate economic development in the
Black community and the Coastal Bend area, and to assist in educating
Black/Minority Business Owners of city and county governmental plans that
can contribute to the high quality growth for economic development.
The Chamber also assists in promoting business startups and other
entrepreneurial endeavors.
Overview
After
a brief period of being inactive, in 2005 a group of professionals and
business owners began reorganizing the Corpus Christi Black Chamber of
Commerce. On February 14, 2006, the new Board of Directors were
installed by Mayor Henry Garrett of the City of Corpus Christi, in the
Council Chambers during a City Council meeting. The Board of Directors
are comprised of eleven (11) Business and Professional Women of the
community. History was made by having an organization of its kind
filled with an all female Board of Directors. To say that we
encountered many obstacles is an understatement; however, despite the
obstacles, we knew we had a major challenges to focus on such as
rejuvenating, revitalizing and renewing the long-standing vital
organization. By the Grace of God, we may it through, and by no means
are the challenges over yet. |
|
During the
reorganization, we developed our new logo and motto: The birds
in the clouds, "Soaring to New Heights". Many challenges
lie ahead, and we've not time to stop and rest on our laurels. We are
committed to keeping the momentum going by introducing new projects and
programs for business owners and young entrepreneurs. With the
continued support from all our members, community, and business partners,
OUR CHAMBER will experience growth, become stronger and a more viable
organization, and regain the positive image in the community for decades to
come.
After the installation
ceremony, pictures of the Board of Directors were taken and placed in the
Corpus Christi Caller-Times newspaper. With the publishing of the
pictures and articles, Corpus Christi knew that the Corpus Christi Black
Chamber of Commerce (CCBCC) was once again up and running. The article
gave us that extra boost that we needed.
2006-2008 Board of
Directors
Front Row (left to
right): Hannah Carter, Verna Portis, Sylvia Tryon Oliver, Priscilla
Tryon Cambric
Back Row (left to
right): Dr. Gloria Scott, Violet Russell-Edwards, Cynthia
Smith-Patrick, Brenda Sorrell, Dr. Geraldine Johnson, Twila Mouttet.
Missing from
photo: Dr. Coretta Graham |
|
2006 Activities
February
14, 2006 - Networking Mixer
After the Board of
Directors Installation Ceremony, the public was invited to help us celebrate
at the Caribbean Connection and Catering Service. This was our first "Meet
& Greet" Mixer. The Caribbean Connection is located at 1102
Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, Texas. Mr. Karl Tomlinson is the
Owner, and is also a member of the CC Black Chamber.
April 24, 2006 -
Economic Development
Invited Speaker for
the General Meeting, Ms. Irma Caballero, Director of Economic Development
for the City of Corpus Christi, spoke on the economic development of the
Northside Community and the Downtown redevelopment.
May 22, 2006 -
Economic Development
Invited Speaker
for the General Meeting, Ms. Sandra Terrell-Davis, HR Director for the Port
of Corpus Christi, discussed partnering with the Port of Corpus Christi and
job availabilities. The Port of Corpus Christi is also a member of the
Corpus Christi Black Chamber.
June 10-19, 2006 -
Juneteenth Celebration
The Corpus Christi
Black Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Juneteenth Coalition to host a
Ten-Day Celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation. Special
activities were held at different locations for the observance of the,
"Ten Days of Celebration and Emancipation Proclamation".
This historical event ended with a Networking Mixer at Portis Kountry
Kitchen, owner by Mr. Maurice and Mrs. Verna Portis, also members of the
Corpus Christi Black Chamber. |
"Soaring To New Heights"