The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey will be recognized as Chamber of the Year at the 124th annual National Black Business Conference on Aug. 24 in Atlanta, a key moment at the Booker T. Washington Black Business Black-Tie Awards Gala.
Charles DeBow III, CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, said the honor is well deserved.
“When considering the qualities for the National Black Chamber of the Year, several factors were evaluated to ensure the selected chamber exemplifies excellence, impact and leadership within the community, these standards of excellence are exemplified by the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey,” he said.
Some of the measurable areas to receive the recognition were: community impact and engagement, membership growth and retention, leadership and governance, innovation and adaptability, financial stability and growth, networking and collaboration, training and development, recognitions and accomplishments, public relations and marketing, and quantifiable results (metrics and data) demonstrating the chamber’s impact.
AACCNJ founder and CEO John Harmon said the organization is honored for the recognition — the second time the chamber has been so honored in the past five years.
“Every day, as the founder, president & CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, we seek collectively to illustrate the vision of Booker T. Washington, with excellence, while paying homage to the memory of Harry Alford and Kay DeBow, co-founders of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, by leading an organization whose core mission is to defy perceptions, by demonstrating the relevance of Black people and the success of Black-owned businesses,” he said.
“We have, and will, continue to contribute to the greatness of America. We thank the National Black Chamber of Commerce for this esteemed recognition.”
The National Black Business Conference will host three days of commerce-driven education, networking, exchange and activity with events and functions tailored to meet the attendee and partner expectations, accessing a combined alliance of 120,000-plus members and 400-plus chambers/leagues throughout the country and abroad, from Aug. 21-25.