African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Pennsylvania

A Journey of 1000 Miles Must Begin With the First Step

Robert M. Jackson
- President/CEO

That first step must be taken now. As President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce and a business man, I took my first step 25 years ago. Today I help make decisions and provide directions for other businesses and individuals interested in developing their own business. The journey may be long and difficult sometimes gruesome, but the end of the long journey can be rewarding and self gratifying. With focus and commitment, the independence of owning your own business and having the control of your time and your financial destiny can be achieved. Know your business and put your skills and experience to work—for you. Develop your skills to make your business work for you. Your commitment must be to invest in you. Invest in your business. Time is money for most entrepreneurs, and how you spend your time and manage your money will ultimately determine your financial freedom. Make the first step and be prepared when you do. It can be a long journey, however one worth traveling.

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Pennsylvania (AACCCP) is open to any business, church, non-profit organization or agency committed to advocating for collective African American economic empowerment and to representing their interests.

The AACCCP is a network of dedicated business professionals working together to improve business opportunities, increase company exposure and establish personal and professional relationships. The AACCCP is committed to African American entrepreneur and business development and assistance.

The AACCCP works continually to expand and improve benefits available to its members.

The AACCCP lobbies for the growth of firms/businesses and the improvement of conditions that affect those businesses both in the public and private sectors.

The AACCCP also provides networking opportunities. The Chamber has many events including monthly networking sessions the fourth Thursday of every month.

Reasons for Joining AACCCP

» Advocacy — The AACCCP lobbies for the growth of black-owned businesses and the improvement of conditions that affect those businesses within both the public and private sectors. As part of that advocacy effort, AACCCP monitors and analyzes the participation by African-American businesses in the regional economy.
» Membership Lists & Directory — To improve members’ visibility among potential consumers, the AACCCP lists its member businesses including a description of their services or products on the website.
» Management/Technical Assistance Seminars — The AACCCP convenes an ongoing series of seminars for its members, designed to assist them in managing their businesses more efficiently and more profitably.
» Networking Events — As a primary member benefit, the AACCCP hosts and sponsors networking events for its members and other business and public sector leaders, designed to encourage business contacts, joint ventures and other business enhancement opportunities.
» Contract Identification — Working with large corporate and non-profit partners, and government agencies, the AACCCP assists its members in identifying contract opportunities that may be available within their area of expertise.
» Member Services — The AACCCP has assembled an array of services to address operational and human resource issues and to assist both start-up and mature enterprises improve their bottom line.

African American Business Facts