Spotlighting the Jackson-Madison Co. African American Chamber of Commerce

JACKSON, TN (WNBJ) - As a part of Black History Month, 39 News wants to spotlight organizations within the community that are focused on growth and the empowerment of African Americans. This week we are spotlighting the Jackson-Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce.

“What we want to do is to have a positive impact in our community," said Don McCorry, the Dir. of Finance and Interim Exe. Dir. with the Jackson-Madison Co. African American Chamber of Commerce.

The Jackson-Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce has been serving the community since 1999 and talks about its mission.

“The chamber is committed to providing growth and economic development for our member businesses and to stress the importance to our youth of being able to consider entrepreneurship. Also, we want to be a network of resources,” said McCorry.

Harold Nance, who is a board member and works for Jonah Affordable Housing Organization talks about what he enjoys most about being a chamber member.

“So, as the African American chamber I think we have an opportunity to work with people who are starting their business and they may not have a lot of income, but they try to manage and operate a good business. It’s just watching a business startup and grow,” said Harold Nance, a board member with the Jackson-Madison Co. African American Chamber of Commerce.

Tony Black is another board member and works for the Jackson Recreation and Parks Department.

The Rec. and Parks Department and the chamber have partnered together for many years to stress the importance of teaching entrepreneurship to the youth.

“The vast major of businesses in this country are small businesses so we want out kids to think along those lines. That you can become wealthy as an entrepreneur, but you can also provide jobs for your community,” said Tony Black, a board member with the Jackson-Madison Co. African American Chamber of Commerce.

If you are interested in membership, you are urged to contact the Jackson Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce.