POST-EVENT RELEASE

Over 30 Local Businesses and Key Stakeholders Gather to Support Economic Growth and Business Development for Black Entrepreneurs

Riviera Beach, FL – August 29, 2024 – The Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County celebrated National Black Business Month with the Black Business Month Summit & Mixer, held at the Riviera Beach Marina. The event brought together over 30 local businesses, dynamic speakers, and expert panelists to discuss critical topics such as business succession planning, capacity building, and sustainability for Black-owned businesses.

The day began with a Vendor Marketplace, where local businesses showcased their products and services to event attendees. Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with vendors, fostering business growth and collaboration. The featured vendors included Juicylicious Juice, MC Healthcare Solutions, Kaafi Counseling, Ultimate Image Coach, Deere Law Firm, Fix My Flyer LLC, Georgia Mae’s Restaurant, The Optical Experience, Rugged Elements, Whiting-Turner Contracting, iThink Financial, The Palm Beaches, City of West Palm Beach, City of Riviera Beach CRA, Palm Beach County OEBO, Black Business Investment Corporation, Supervisor of Elections, School District of Palm Beach County, and the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County. The marketplace celebrated the diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of Black-owned businesses in Palm Beach County.

The summit featured two-panel discussions that addressed key business challenges and opportunities. The first session, titled “Business Succession Planning”, was moderated by Victoria Hughes, Director of the Florida Women’s Business Center. Panelists included:

• Chioma Deere, Attorney and Managing Partner, Deere Law Firm
• Salesia Smith-Gordon, Principal Attorney, Salesia Smith-Gordon, PA
• Zenora Ward, CPA, Ward & Company, P.A.
• Edward Smith, Financial Representative, NPC Financial and Guardian Life Insurance

The panelists shared strategies for ensuring smooth business transitions, highlighting the importance of proper tools, documents, and team members to facilitate succession planning.

The second session, “Business Growth, Building Capacity, and Sustainability”, was moderated by Dr. Deeawn Roundtree, CEO of Roundtree Training & Consulting. This panel featured experts from local agencies, including:

• Tonya Johnson, Director, PBC Office of Equal Business Opportunity
• Sandra Hammerstein, Deputy Director, City of West Palm Beach
• Colleen Robbs, Manager, Solid Waste Authority
• Annette Gray, Regional Director, FAU SBDC
• Yolanda Fields, Director, School District of Palm Beach County

L/R Annette Gray, Regional Director, FAU SBDC, Colleen Robbs, Manager, Solid Waste Authority, Sandra Hammerstein, Deputy Director, City of West Palm Beach, Yolanda Fields, Director, School District of Palm Beach County, Tonya Johnson, Director, PBC Office of Equal Business Opportunity

The discussion focused on securing government contracts, the benefits of S/M/WBE certification, and strategies for business growth and sustainability through capacity-building.

Following the panel discussions, attendees participated in a Networking Mixer, enjoying complimentary bites and signature cocktails provided by Cure Cocktails & Events. The event also featured presentations from key local agencies that provided invaluable resources for Black-owned businesses. Presentations were delivered by the Palm Beach County Office of Equal Business Opportunity (OEBO), Solid Waste Authority, Black Chamber of Commerce, City of West Palm Beach, City of Riviera Beach CRA, School District of Palm Beach County, Black Business Investment Corporation, and MAGA Consulting.

The event concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Joseph Sanches, President, Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, who expressed gratitude to the sponsors, vendors, and partners for their significant contributions to the event’s success.

The Black Business Month Summit & Mixer was made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including PROCEDEO, Deere Law Firm, and Cure Cocktails & Events.

About the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County

The Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County is committed to the economic development and empowerment of Black-owned businesses in Palm Beach County. Through networking, advocacy, and educational programming, the Chamber supports the growth of its members, encourages entrepreneurship, and promotes economic equity within the local community. The Chamber’s mission is To advance the economic interests of our members through advocacy, education, information sharing, and resource brokering to maximize their success. We focus resources on the challenges faced by Black-owned and minority businesses.

For more information about the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County and upcoming events, visit www.blackchamberpbc.com.

Media Contact:

Tracy Thomas
Communications Manager
Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County
Email: info@blackchamberpbc.com
Phone: (561) 282-9657