DEVELOP & GROW BLACK ENTERPRISES THAT ARE
PROFITABLE & SUSTAINABLE
The vision for the Winston Salem Black Chamber is to be a resource for growing and developing African American businesses and the community as a whole. Our mission is to support our businesses to be profitable and sustainable .
WHERE WE ARE
OUR FUTURE
Our membership has grown from a few to over 50 businesses and individuals
Our Immediate past President was Randon Pender
Current Board: Calvin F. Patterson-President, Gloria Hairston-Vice President, Andrew Lindsay-Treasurer, Michael Suggs, Kendrick Conerly
New Committees: Women, Under 40, Over 60, Youngtrepreneurs
WSBCC membership in Southeast Region Economic Roundtable (7 state coalition)
Business Boot Camp
Financial Literacy training
Partnership with Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools for youth entrepreneurial programs
Black to Business Campaign
Shop Small/Shop Local Initiative
OUR HISTORY
PRESIDENT MIRIAM MCCARTER
Under Mrs. McCarter’s leadership, the organization had Fall Street Festivals, Business Expos and Golf Tournaments which contributed to Dr. Vivian H. Burke’s Endowment Fund at Winston-Salem State University.
As an advocate for black businesses, Mrs. McCarter approached Dr. Burke about getting the members of the WSBCC in front of the decision makers for the City of Winston Salem: relationships were formed resulting in contracts for the members of the WSBCC.
PRESIDENT JESSE HYMES
After Dana Suggs tenure, Jesse Hymes was voted as President.
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FOUNDERS OF WSBCC
Dr. Virginia Newell, Gerry McCants, and Miriam McCarter coordinated an interest meeting at the East Winston Branch Library. The consensus of the group was to proceed with organizing the Winston Salem Black Chamber of Commerce.
The following individuals were voted in as Board members: Miriam McCarter – President, Bill Hubbard – Vice President.
PRESIDENT DANA SUGGS
After Miriam McCarter’s tenure Dana Suggs, was voted in as President, Jesse Hymes was voted in as Vice President.
PRESIDENT RANDON PENDER
After Jesse Hymes tenure, Randon Pender was voted in as President and James Huff as Vice President.
Under Randon Pender’s tenure, the organization joined the U. S. Black Chambers, Inc. Additionally, under Ms. Pender’s tenure annual events include the Art Extravaganza and Auction and the Holiday Jazz Gala. The organization’s signature event under Ms. Pender’s leadership is the Shop Small Bus Tour, a national initiative of the American Express Company.