El Paso Black Chamber of Commerece

FOUNDED AND ESTABLISHED - The El Paso Black Chamber of Commerce (EPBCC) was incorporated October 2, 1996 with less than 20, founding members.

OUR PURPOSE - The purpose of El Paso Black Chamber of Commerce is to provide a workable organizational structure that will build economic prosperity and improve the quality of life in our community. Utilizing effective leadership and committed membership, functional committee groups will design and implement programs that support the efforts of Black/African-American, minority and small business firms in the El Paso Community. The EPBCC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. All funds received from our membership efforts are expended to carry forward the programs of business development and education..

MISSION - The Mission of El Paso Black Chamber of Commerce is to assist, to support and to economically empower the El Paso Black/African-American community through development and sustainment of Black/African-American, minority and small businesses.

GOAL - The goal of El Paso Black Chamber of Commerce is to inject a fair share (2% - 4%) of El Paso's public and private work force and contract dispersal into the black/African-American community on an annual basis. Today's figures would indicate a minimum of $10+ million dollars from the Black/African-American Business community to help stimulate the economic growth of our city.

ONGOING INITIATIVES - Education Foundation; Bilingual Institute (Spanish as a Second Language - SSL-Basic, Intermediate and Advance) has trained more then 25 students; Job Preparation and Referral programs has referred and seen placed nearly 1,000 clients; Annual Youth Job Fair has seen nearly 1,200 youth obtain summer employment; Partners in Education program has tutored students from elementary to high school in every school district from Gaston to Tornillo.

COMMITTEES - Advisory Advocates bringing together corporate America to help leverage the business community; Economic/Workforce Development partners with TWC and others to make a positive economic impact in the community; Education and Training has worked with many students and awarded nearly 20-scholarships; Government/Military Affairs liaison between the El Paso Black Chamber of Commerce and our military installations to represent mutual interest; Membership Services responsible for monthly networking/after hours events and the El Paso Black Chamber of Commerce's annual wine & cheese membership recognition; Public Relations handles all media and public relations for the El Paso Black Chamber of Commerce; and Special Events actively seeks and develop venues that positively engages members, partners, constituents and community.

BRIDGING THE GAP - First published in March 1997 as a small four page monthly, it has now blossomed into a 16-page reader's choice periodical (quarterly). The Bridging the GAP newspaper offers the community a vehicle to vocalize in writing at no cost, and allows advertisers to express their products, goods and services at a normal cost!