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Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Gilchrist and chamber on right track for
Our Viewpoint
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
SC
An initial reaction to the fact there is a South Carolina African American Chamber of Commerce might be to ask why, especially when communities already have chambers of commerce in addition to a statewide organization. In truth, it makes good sense. At least for now. The group recently formed through the leadership of Greenwood native Stephen Gilchrist, who will serve as its first chairman. Given his background - a diverse record within political, social, education and economic development arenas - Gilchrist appears to be well suited for the job. Gilchrist also worked with the Greenwood Chamber as community development coordinator before assuming his new post. The statewide group was not formed to compete with other chambers of commerce; it was not formed for any racially polarizing reasons. Simply put, it was formed because there exists a need that specifically addresses black-owned businesses.
Gilchrist acknowledges the work being done by chambers of commerce across the state with regard to reaching black business owners and meeting their needs; however, he said "there is a huge gap in African-Americans being involved in the commerce discussion in this state, particularly on the end of small business development that we think is so critical." And that is why the new organization has taken root. Its focus, reported in a front-page story in this newspaper last week, will be on "commerce education, promotion of business principles, raising awareness of black-owned business and providing a support network for businesses and startups." Given the number of black-owned businesses in our state, and certainly in our Lakelands region, the formation of this new organization is a logical step. If it takes hold as it should, there is every reason to expect tremendous growth and economic development within the black community. And that will translate into a continued growth in our state's overall economic arena. Perhaps sometime down the road there will be a blending of this organization's approach and that of existing chamber organizations. They are not at odds; rather, they have the same goal in mind - helping businesses and their owners succeed. For South Carolina, this should prove to be a boon.
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Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Gilchrist and chamber on right track for
Our Viewpoint
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
SC
An initial reaction to the fact there is a South Carolina African American Chamber of Commerce might be to ask why, especially when communities already have chambers of commerce in addition to a statewide organization. In truth, it makes good sense. At least for now. The group recently formed through the leadership of Greenwood native Stephen Gilchrist, who will serve as its first chairman. Given his background - a diverse record within political, social, education and economic development arenas - Gilchrist appears to be well suited for the job. Gilchrist also worked with the Greenwood Chamber as community development coordinator before assuming his new post. The statewide group was not formed to compete with other chambers of commerce; it was not formed for any racially polarizing reasons. Simply put, it was formed because there exists a need that specifically addresses black-owned businesses.
Gilchrist acknowledges the work being done by chambers of commerce across the state with regard to reaching black business owners and meeting their needs; however, he said "there is a huge gap in African-Americans being involved in the commerce discussion in this state, particularly on the end of small business development that we think is so critical." And that is why the new organization has taken root. Its focus, reported in a front-page story in this newspaper last week, will be on "commerce education, promotion of business principles, raising awareness of black-owned business and providing a support network for businesses and startups." Given the number of black-owned businesses in our state, and certainly in our Lakelands region, the formation of this new organization is a logical step. If it takes hold as it should, there is every reason to expect tremendous growth and economic development within the black community. And that will translate into a continued growth in our state's overall economic arena. Perhaps sometime down the road there will be a blending of this organization's approach and that of existing chamber organizations. They are not at odds; rather, they have the same goal in mind - helping businesses and their owners succeed. For South Carolina, this should prove to be a boon.
Related Links:
