Urban Chamber of Commerce (Las Vegas, Nev.) (Las Vegas, Nev.)

The mission of the Urban Chamber of Commerce is to create and foster an environment that promotes development of members and black owned businesses. The Nevada Black Chamber of Commerce was founded July 7, 1980, after the idea was planted by Katherine Joseph. Ms. Joseph met with members of the Oakland, California Chamber of Commerce during a visit there and was very impressed with their efforts. When Katherine returned home she shared the idea with members of the NAACP. She solicited the help of Sarann Knight-Preddy who formed a board consisting of Dr. William "Bob" Bailey, James O. Porter ESQ, Reverend Sam Roberson, Lou Conner, Al O'Neal, Ken Brass, Rev. Emanuel Wasson, Ruby Amie Pilot and John Gardner.In 1997, under the leadership of Al McConnell and several other community leaders the decision was made to change the name of the Nevada Black Chamber to the Urban Chamber of Commerce in an effort to better serve Southern Nevada. The Urban Chamber of Commerce serves as the marketplace where buyers and sellers exchange goods and services.The Urban Chamber of Commerce is an advocate for the creation, growth and general welfare of African American businesses in the Las Vegas community. The Urban Chamber of Commerce actively promotes the expansion of business opportunities on behalf of its members through referrals, partnerships, seminars, technical assistance and marketing.The Urban Chamber of Commerce focuses on economic and business development, education, convention/tourism and special projects. In today's business environment, the new business model requires companies to demonstrate value and the ability to compete globally. The Urban Chamber of Commerce is bringing world-class training workshops and capacity development programs to Las Vegas, designed to aid our member in growing and becoming viable supply chain partners to our corporate and government agency supporters, locally and nationally.