L.I. African American Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting in Uniondale Highlights Membership

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) is using its General Membership Meeting in Uniondale to reinforce an important message to entrepreneurs throughout the region: joining a Chamber of Commerce is only the beginning the greatest value comes from actively using the relationships, resources, programs and opportunities available through membership.

Founded in 2010, LIAACC has grown into a leading advocate and resource for African American and minority-owned businesses throughout the New York metropolitan area. The Chamber connects entrepreneurs with business education, networking opportunities, technical assistance, procurement information, increased visibility and relationships that can help businesses move to the next level.

Subscribe

The Uniondale General Membership Meeting provided business owners with an opportunity to learn more about how LIAACC works and, most importantly, how members can turn their membership into action.

Why Join LIAACC?

Small-business owners who become active members can benefit from:

• Business Networking: Build relationships with entrepreneurs, professionals, corporate representatives, government agencies and community leaders.
• Business Education: Participate in seminars, workshops, conferences and other programs addressing the real challenges of starting, operating and growing a business.
• Marketing & Visibility: Gain opportunities to increase awareness of your company through Chamber communications, events, programs and member recognition.
• MWBE & Procurement Opportunities: Learn more about certification, government contracting, supplier diversity and doing business with public- and private-sector organizations.
• Technical Assistance: Access information and guidance that can help strengthen business operations, marketing, financing, capability statements and growth strategies.
• Business Referrals: Become part of a network that encourages members and community stakeholders to identify and support Chamber businesses.
• Leadership Development: Become involved with Chamber committees, programs, special initiatives and leadership opportunities.
• Strategic Relationships: Meet decision-makers and organizations that small-business owners may find difficult to reach on their own.
• Community & Economic Empowerment: Participate in a broader effort to strengthen minority-owned businesses and create sustainable economic opportunity.

Membership Works Best When Members Get Involved

LIAACC encourages members to approach Chamber membership as an investment rather than simply placing their name in a directory.

Members are encouraged to attend meetings consistently, participate in networking events, introduce themselves to other members, develop a clear elevator pitch, maintain an updated capability statement, attend business-development programs, follow up with contacts and look for opportunities to do business with fellow members.

"The real power of Chamber membership is participation," said Phil Andrews, President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. "We want our members to understand that the Chamber is a platform. When you attend the meetings, build relationships, participate in programs, increase your visibility and follow up on opportunities, you put yourself and your business in a much stronger position to grow."

A 30-Day Challenge for LIAACC Members

Following the General Membership Meeting, members are encouraged to take a simple 30-day challenge: attend a Chamber activity, connect with at least five members, introduce their business to Chamber leadership, update their business information and capability statement, follow up with new contacts, and identify at least one Chamber resource or opportunity they can use to strengthen their business.

The objective is straightforward: turn membership into measurable activity.

More Than Networking

LIAACC's work is centered on helping entrepreneurs build stronger and more sustainable businesses. Through business education, advocacy, networking, technical assistance, procurement awareness and strategic partnerships, the Chamber works to connect businesses with information and opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to access.

The Chamber also provides a platform where established business owners can share knowledge with emerging entrepreneurs, helping create a stronger ecosystem of businesses that learn from and support one another.

Small-Business Owners Are Invited to Learn More

Entrepreneurs throughout Long Island and the New York metropolitan area who are seeking stronger business relationships, greater visibility, educational resources and access to a network committed to business growth are encouraged to learn more about becoming a member.

LIAACC's message to prospective members is simple:

Don't just join a Chamber use your Chamber.

Connect. Learn. Participate. Build Relationships. Follow Up. Grow.

About: Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Founded in 2010, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) works to advance and strengthen African American and minority-owned businesses through networking, education, advocacy, technical assistance, business development and access to opportunities.

Over the years, the Chamber has served and advised entrepreneurs throughout the region while developing relationships with corporations, government agencies, municipalities, financial institutions and community organizations.

LIAACC continues its mission of helping small businesses develop the knowledge, relationships and resources necessary to compete, grow and create lasting economic impact.

For Membership Information:
Visit www.liaacc.org/join-liaacc/

For Upcoming Programs and Events:
Visit: www.liaacc.org/events-list/

MEDIA CONTACT

Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Website: liaacc.org