N.E. Black Chamber to meet

By Lori O' Brien

Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD Small business has been the cornerstone of what drives local communities and the New England Black Chamber of Commerce (NEBCC) focuses its energies to that end.

Each month, the NEBCC conducts a free networking event at the site of a local black business for a meet-and-greet that features an additional resource development focus. This month's focus topic is "financial services" and attendees will learn about small business offerings by area banking institutions and credit unions. The NEBCC's next meeting is Sept. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wynn Image Makers, 1 Federal St.

"The Black Chamber is open to anyone or any organization committed to the economic development of the black community," said Aimee Griffin Munnings, Esq., executive director, NEBCC, during an interview with Reminder Publications. "We see the commitment to the small business as a commitment to community development."

Munnings explained that the NEBCC takes a different focus from a typical chamber of commerce.

"We are more community centered," she said, adding "we are a comfortable and informal gathering trying to gather information from one another, gain strength and support and develop relationships that impact the community."

Currently, the NEBCC has many businesses that are "micro enterprises," according to Munnings.

"As a result we take the opportunity to give people access to information that can help them survive and grow," she said. "The information and resources that are distributed are helpful to very small businesses."

Munnings motto as well as the NEBCC is that "collectively we can do much more than any of us can do individually." She stressed that NEBCC members need to develop relationships and a commitment to one another that will move beyond individual success and create a commitment for a community which equates to city and regional success.

"We know the reason to attend any networking event is that relationships drive business," she added.

The NEBCC, founded as a nonprofit organization in 2002, is based at 140 Wilbraham Ave. Business hours are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on the NEBCC or its Sept. 14 networking event, contact Munnings at AGMunnings@neblackchamber.org. or call (413) 731-6444.