PROG2024 Southern Black Chambers
Published 2:41 pm Tuesday, March 19, 2024
- DeWayne Johnson, Southern Georgia Black Chambers president and chief executive officer, Heather Craft, Valdosta State University purchasing officer, Julian Bailey, Georgia Department of Administrative Services – Small Business and Supplier Diversity manager, Crystal Brown, Small Business and Supplier Diversity specialist, and Marion Ramsey, Southern Georgia Black Chambers vice president of operations, during meeting.
VALDOSTA — An organization rooted in Valdosta helps create opportunities for Black-owned firms across a wide swath of South Georgia.
Southern Georgia Black Chambers Inc. was founded Dec. 15, 2022, said founder Dewayne Johnson. It serves businesses and individuals in 19 counties.
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The chamber works on business, government and community matters ranging from economic development, trade and tourism to regulatory concerns, health and public safety.
There are about 90 members of the Black Chambers, Johnson said, ranging from individuals to large banking concerns.
“We even have ‘transient’ members in Atlanta,” he said.
The SGBC doesn’t have a headquarters facility; it does have a good relationship with the South Georgia Regional Library system, Johnson said. “We’ve held board meetings and workshops there.”
Among events that the Black Chambers has hosted are a Black Business Showcase, a Small Business Workshop and black business meet and greets.
A partnership with local school systems has also paid dividends, getting students and businesses together for workforce development, Johnson said.
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“We are trying to get ethnic-owned, veteran-owned and women-owned business out front,” Johnson said.
Those interested in Southern Georgia Black Chambers can call 229-500-6027 or send an email to info@gablackchambers.org.
