Dear Members,

As we bring 2025 to a close, I want to thank each of you for your continued support, engagement, and commitment to the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County. Your involvement fuels our mission and strengthens our collective impact.

Our Board of Directors—accomplished business leaders in their own right—have generously shared their time, expertise, and resources to advance our vision of growing and elevating the success of our member businesses. Together with our dedicated Administrative Team, we are proud to share several noteworthy highlights from this past year.

2025 Highlights

• 4th Annual MLK 5K Divine Nine Challenge
  We kicked off the year with this community favorite, bringing together families, fitness enthusiasts, and supporters from across Palm Beach County.
• 13th Annual Ascension Awards
  In February, we honored “the best in business.” To date, more than 70 local businesses and professionals have been recognized through this prestigious program.
• 2nd Annual Women’s History Breakfast
  A standing-room-only event celebrating women thriving in nontraditional career paths and leadership roles.
• Buy Black 365 Campaign
  Launched in the spring, this initiative encourages year-round support of Black-owned businesses providing valuable goods and services throughout our community.
• Inaugural Our People’s Choice Awards
  Held during National Black Business Month, this exciting new program received 322 nominations, 181 finalists, and over 6,000 votes, culminating in a celebratory Summit and Reception.
• Legacy in Motion: Black Wall Street South Summit
  In October, in partnership with The Diplomat Center and the City of Riviera Beach, we hosted Palm Beach County’s first summit focused on financial literacy, education, and wealth building.
• Members-Only Holiday Events
  We closed the year with two focused events designed exclusively to celebrate and thank our members.

Thanks to your dedication and engagement, our membership grew by 33% in 2025—a powerful reflection of your trust in us and the strength of our mission.

We also proudly celebrate the continued growth of our Young Professionals (YPs) membership for leaders under 40. This year, our YPs delivered a dynamic lineup of events centered on both personal and professional development—skills that uplift our entire Chamber community.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we prepare to celebrate 22 years of service, our team is working diligently to bring you an even stronger and more impactful year.

In 2026, you can look forward to:

• Enhanced events and workshops designed to educate, empower, and accelerate your business growth
• The launch of new Business Committees focused on:
  • Women in Business
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Veterans in Business
• Expanded partnerships with municipal and community leaders across all four corners of Palm Beach County
• The return of our flagship Ascension Awards Program in Fall 2026, continuing to celebrate excellence in our business community

As we step into a new year filled with opportunity—and undoubtedly some challenges—I wish you and your loved ones joy, peace, and prosperity. Thank you for your membership, your support, and your trust in the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County.

Warmly,
Keely Gideon-Taylor
President, Board of Directors
Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County

“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.”
— Herbert von Karajan