In 2012, the Chamber launched the Minority Business Council, but recently change its name to the Diverse Business Council. Although its mission is to foster the growth and competitiveness of minority owned businesses in West Alabama, DBC provides inclusive programming that is beneficial to a diverse workforce. The DBC's objectives are:
 

• Provide a network of support that will help advance minority businesses.
• Strengthen minority owned businesses through strategic planning and effective leadership.
• Address educational, financial and business concerns of minority owned businesses.
• Facilitate workshops and other educational opportunities for entrepreneurs to improve business skills, enhance knowledge, training and seek funding sources.
• Assist in encouraging relationships and partnerships with all businesses to ensure sustainability and success.
• Build a minority prospect base to be used as a recruiting source to fill leadership roles within the Chamber and other civic organizations.
• Empower minority owned businesses, utilizing resources from the Chamber and local government, to improve the local economy.

The 8th Annual DBC Diversity Summit was August 30th from 8:30 – 11:30 at the Bryant Conference Center. This year’s event Past, Present, Future, was presented by Cadence Bank and The University of Alabama and hosted by The University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies. Gold Sponsors included Bryant Bank, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tuscaloosa East, Stillman College, and West Alabama Multiple Listing Service. Breakfast was sponsored by Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports, and the Speaker Sponsor was Buffalo Rock Company/Pepsi-Cola. Click to read more…

Contact:
Carolyn Tubbs
Director of Education Programs
(205) 391-0556 | carolyn@westalabamachamber.com