Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce Hosts Rally in Springfield to Champion Greater Participation in State Contracts
April 17, 2007, Peoria, Illinois - The Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce leading advocate and voice for Illinois Black businesses, will be joining forces with its 23 local chambers to lobby for increased contract participation for wholly-owned black enterprises. The rally billed as the Black Opportunity Leadership Development (BOLD) program is comprised of over 1,000 Illinois black-owned businesses from across the State.
According to the report FY 2003 Progress of Women and Minorities in the Illinois Workforce Report Chapter 5: Business and Industrial Activity in Illinois (http://www.state.il.us/agency/idol/wm/2003/ch5.htm), Illinois ranks 1st nationally in terms of growth of Black-owned firms from 1997 to 2002, and 3rd nationally in terms of number of Black-women-owned firms in 2002. Also according to the report, Black women own a larger share of women-owned firms in Illinois than in the U.S. (11.0% vs. 5.9%). Although the rate of business growth across Illinois is impressive, black enterprises across all sectors still find barriers in access to capita and the ability to participation in State contracts. The goal of this rally is to raise the voice of our black constituency in Springfield.
In addition to the State Capital House rally on the east lawn at 9:30am, the Illinois State Black Chamber board will meet with State officials to discuss financial assistance, resources, and strategies to ensure greater access to State contracts.
About The Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce is to serve as the voice of black enterprise throughout the State of Illinois. The ILBCC fulfills its mission through its 23 local chapters that provide intimate assistance to local black businesses. In addition to its advocacy role, the ILBCC offers a variety of member services to empower State black enterprises and promote economic empowerment with our communities. Our chamber works with sponsor organizations to match qualified black businesses with willing corporations and government agencies. The Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce is affiliated with the National Black Chamber of Commerce http://www.nationalbcc.org/.
