Program Success October 2009 | Page 25

PROGRAM SUCCESS – OCTOBER 2009 PAGE 25

Orlando ’ s Black Chamber Executive Brings Fresh Perspective To Enhancing Minority Business

By Dr . Robert M . Spooney Executive Director of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida

I have some solid thoughts on planning . I believe that a good idea is worth a dollar while the plan to implement the idea is worth a million dollars . One of my watch phrases is “ Plan your work and work your plan .” Any good business person should have a plan and that is the concept that I have been presenting to the members of the chamber since my appointment as executive director . The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida has been a guide to start up African American businesses though out Orange , Osceola , Seminole and Volusia counties since 1945 . The recent increase in membership and entrepreneurial activity indicate that this organization is alive and well and ready to assist minority owned businesses in Central Florida in any way it can .

The one thing that I have noticed is that many people who start new businesses don ’ t know how to get their foot in the door in order for their business ventures to be successful . However , I believe that if you give the people the tools that they need , if you let them know the requirements and prerequisites needed to do good business in this community , they will find success . One of my goals is to introduce as many minority businesses to major corporations as possible . The plan to accomplish this goal is simple . We have implemented a “ How To Do Business With ” series where we invite major corporations to make presentations to chamber members detailing the MBE requirements that must be met to do business with them . Since March of this year , over 500 African American entrepreneurs have met with purchasing personnel from fourteen major Central Florida corporations .

In addition , the chamber has instituted a series entitled “ Business Check-Up .” In this series , members attend seminars that address operational and business issues that cover subjects such as relationship selling , marketing strategies , advertising tactics and technology innovations . We all know that knowledge is power and I truly believe that many business endeavors fail because of a lack of knowledge . To circumvent failure , my goal is to empower our members with the

knowledge of sound business principles . All too often , I see people starting businesses because it was a hobby but they did not give any consideration to the business aspect of managing the growth of the company . Many of the chamber members fall into that category , subsequently , attendance to these seminars has been

Dr . Robert M . Spooney beyond expectation with an average of 40 people per session . An added benefit of these sessions is the dialogue that occurs between the members who attend as they discuss their experiences in the disciplines being taught .

As Executive Director of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida , my number one priority is to provide leadership and programs that will allow us to be the number one advocate for African American businesses . We want to empower our members to be more successful . We are in a learning curve , but we are definitely moving in the right direction .

For more information about the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida please contact us at 407-420-4870 or go to www . blackcommerce . org .

African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Flrodia Dr . Robert M . Spooney Orlando , Florida October 2009