Benefits
The Chamber is essential to the vitality and well-being of our community. Its purpose shall continue to be to assist, promote, and support our businesses in achieving economic prosperity and economic independence through ownership and entrepreneurialism; and to advance the general welfare and prosperity of the community at large through the advocacy of public and private sector programs and policies supportive of their economic development.
Criteria for Membership
Unlike other Chambers of commerce, the Black Chamber is a charitable organization, due in part to its mission to assist disadvantaged black businesses in the Kansas City area which was a part of its original application for exemption. It is also unique in that its membership is represented at all times at the Board of Directors level by Black business owners and principals -those who have experience and an appreciation for both the risks and rewards of business ownership. And while membership is open to the public, the following criteria are prerequisite to membership:
Small Businesses + Membership Investment Levels
- Demonstration of potential for business success by being in business for at least two (2) full years prior to applying for membership.
- Be located in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area
- Principals must be US citizens Commitment of one or more staff as active members of a committee for the Black Chamber
- Your business must be a legal entity
- Having ownership that is of good moral character
- Agreement to support and uphold the mission of the Black Chamber of Commerce
- Be recommended by a current member in good standing of the Black Chamber of Commerce
Corporate Membership + Sponsorship
- Agreement to support and uphold the mission of the Black Chamber of Commerce
- A review of current efforts being made by the corporation that impact Black owned businesses and professionals
- Be recommended by a current member in good standing of the Black Chamber of Commerce
- Commitment of one or more staff as active members of a committee for the Black Chamber
- A review of your corporates past record of initiatives or support of efforts that impact Black Owned businesses and professionals
Our Objectives
l. To protect and promote current African-American/Black owned businesses.
ll. To facilitate the establishment of more, larger, and more successful African-American/Black owned businesses.
lll. To ensure fair unrestricted access to contracts, contacts, and capital to African-American/Black owned businesses.
IV. To champion and broker services to major corporations (companies championed bring with them assurance they are qualified financially and managerial to handle major private-sector contracts).
V. To install within the Black community, the importance of patronizing Black-owned businesses.
Vl. To address the needs of Black enterprise in the formulation of long-term, area-wide plans and strategies for business and economic development.
VII. To encourage more of Kansas City’s high-achieving black high school students to pursue business careers.
VIII. Address needs and concerns of African American/ Black Professionals living and working in Kansas City
Member Spotlight
RUTH TURNER P.E.
3T-Design & Development L.L.C. is a Kansas City based civil & environmental engineering, urban planning, and construction management firm. Established locally in 2009, their vision is to improve the quality of life within the urban environment through sustainable public infrastructure project delivery. Stronger Together KC would be able to provide 3T-Design & Development L.L.C. with the economic shield necessary to prevent the layoff of valuable and essential employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout her career, Ruth Turner has provided project and program management for the government sector. She has 32 years of experience in planning, design, and construction of public infrastructure projects. With 22 of the 32 years working right here in Kansas City. Ms. Turner has been involved in the delivery of several large-scale public infrastructure projects including water, wastewater, stormwater and transportation facilities at the City’s treatment plants, pump stations, roadways and offices. Ms. Turner is also active in the community serving on boards and commissions.