School of Chamber & Business
Management
presented by:
CHAMBER
LEADERS
BUSINESS
OWNERS
YOUNG
ENTREPRENEURS
The USBC School is a premier educational summit, and your vehicle for building the skills needed to
successfully manage and grow your chamber of commerce or business. This is the only event of its kind,
and is one that brings together the best of chamber leadership, corporate partners and policy makers from
across the country, all in one place, and at one time! Here is the only place you will access unprecedented
educational and networking opportunities, including a host of dynamic speakers at plenary sessions and
workshops. Information will be shared on successful approaches and strategies towards empowering your
chamber or business to make national connections and maximize business opportunities. Below is copy of
this year’s conference School agenda along with invited speakers.
AGENDA
TUES. MAY | 17
1:00PM – 6:00PM
11:00AM – 1:00PM
REGISTRATION OPENS
Closed Meeting: USBC President’s Council Meeting
[George Washington University Room]
MAY 17
1:00PM – 4:00PM
[George Washington University Room]
5:00PM – 6:00PM
PRESS CONFERENCE | BLACK WEALTH 20/20 [Marquis Salons 12&13]
The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. has combined efforts with several national Black
organizations to advocate for, and create new innovative ways to achieve economic
acceleration within the Black community. With the continued expansion of the racial
wealth gap, new drastic changes and goals are necessary to secure future Black
prosperity. Hear about the three primary initiatives regarding; Business Development,
Homeownership, and Banking.
- through -
MAY 20
2016
Closed Meeting: USBC Board of Directors Meeting
SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Aubry Stone, Chairman, USBC; Ron Busby, President &CEO,
USBC; Marie Johns, President, L&L Consulting; and Rev. Jonathan Weaver, Pastor,
Greater Mount Nebo AME Church
MARRIOTT MARQUIS
6:00PM – 8:00PM
WELCOME RECEPTION [Marquis Salons 12&13]
WASHINGTON, DC
Network with conference attendees and business leaders from across the country.
MARRIOTT MARQUIS
WASHINGTON, DC
WEDS. MAY | 18
8:00AM – 10:30AM
FOR MORE INFORMATION
AND TO REGISTER
CONTACT:
U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
(202) 463-8722
[email protected]
@usblackchambers | #SCBM16
PLENARY SESSION #1: STATE OF USBC
[Liberty Salons IJKL]
Hear from USBC President Ron Busby, our Regional Directors, and select National
Partners to learn about USBC’s accomplishments and action items on ways to impact
the growth of Black-owned businesses.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Aubry Stone, Chairman, USBC; Ron Busby, President &CEO,
USBC; Kerwin Brown, Western Regional Director, USBC; Charles O’Neal, Southern
Regional Director, USBC; Christal Watson, Midwest Regional Director, USBC; Larry
Holman, Southeast Regional Director, USBC; Antwanye Ford, Eastern Regional
Director, USBC; Byron Jones, CFO, University of Phoenix; and representatives from
Wells Fargo
www.usblackchambers.org
WEDS. MAY | 18
10:45 – 11:45AM
CHAMBER LEADERS
WORKSHOP SESSION #1A: CHAMBER
STRUCTURE: 501(C)6 OR 501(C)3? [Howard
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
WORKSHOP SESSION #1B: INCREASING
CORPORATE SUPPLIER DIVERSITY [George
WORKSHOP SESSION #1C: KICKSTART YOUR
STARTUP
University Room]
Washington University Room]
[Georgetown University Room]
A chamber of commerce is a unique nonprofit organization that is responsible for
advocating on behalf of their membership and
providing business development services. When
fundraising, chambers must utilize the correct
accounting and tax strategies to ensure legal
compliance. In this workshop, attendees will learn
how to build a strong accounting infrastructure
with the ability to raise funds from various
sources.
In corporate America, diverse employee
workplaces are slowly becoming more
common, however, corporate supply-chain
purchasing often does not reflect a diverse
set of companies. This workshop will explore
what strategies corporations are utilizing to
increase their supplier diversity efforts as well as
inform business owners of attractive company
attributes for private procurement.
There are many gaps facing Black entrepreneurs,
the information-gap being one of them. We’ve
found that Black start-ups are best positioned
when they have access to solid business
information that influences their business growth.
This workshop will provided young entrepreneurs
with the information and insights needed to kick
start their business.
PRESENTERS INCLUDE: Bridgett Gagne, CPA,
MBA, Gagne & Associates and David Lopez,
CPA, David A. Lopez and Company, LLC
12:00PM – 2:00PM
BUSINESS OWNERS
MODERATED BY: Antwanye Ford, President &
CEO, Enlightened, Inc.
PRESENTERS INCLUDE: Kezia Williams,
Program Director, The Black Upstart and Aerica
Banks, Diversity Markets Partner Liaison,
Google
PANELISTS INCLUDE: Corey Smith, Senior
Director, Diversity & Strategic Alliances, Major
League Baseball; Fred Keeton, Owner &
Principal, Keeton Iconoclast Consultng; and
Kimberly Marcus, Director, Supplier Diversity,
AARP
LUNCHEON: FROM BLACK PANTHERS TO BLACK LIVES MATTER, THE MOVEMENT
CONTINUES [Liberty Salons IJKL]
Sponsored by:
The work of the Black Panthers nearly 50 years ago, and recent efforts of Black Lives
Matter activists both make demands to address police brutality. These organizations have
successfully re-imagined the parameters of what is possible when pushing a platform
that includes action for immediate police reform. At it’s height the Black Panther Party
went beyond protests and demands by forming various social service programs including;
sserving meals to low-income children, operating free health clinics, and building education
programs in inner-city neighborhoods. These efforts were not top-down charities, but
horizontally run community initiatives. Both organizations serve the purpose of bringing
community members together to brainstorm and collaborate on how to better our lives,
but it’s crucial to discuss the role of Black Chambers in this new movement and how we can
galvanize our communities to fight for economic rights and full employment, helping to
push the envelope for economic development in Black neighborhoods across the country.
MODERATED BY: Ron Busby, President & CEO, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
PANELIST INCLUDE: Dr. Jeffrey Ogbar, Professor, University of Connecticut & DeRay
McKesson, Activist, Black Lives Matter Movement
pg 2 | 2016 School of Chamber and Business Management
2:30PM – 3:30PM
CHAMBER LEADERS & BUSINESS OWNERS
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
WORKSHOP SESSION #2AB: ACCESS TO CAPITAL
[George Washington University]
WORKSHOP SESSION #2C: ACCESS TO CAPITAL - HOW TO PITCH
YOUR BUSINESS [Georgetown University Room]
Access to Capital remains the #1 concern for small businesses nationally.
To compete in today’s fast-changing market, entrepreneurs must
have fast access to capital to manage and grow their companies.
Statistically, Black businesses have fewer chances of obtaining capital
from traditional financial institutions. Learn what strategies are being
implemented to correct inequities in access to capital, as well as identify
what items a small business must have in order to receive funding.
Capital funds to start and grow your business are available through
multiple resources. The key is having the assets and information ready
that lenders need in order for you to get approved. Whether you are
preparing to pitch to an investor or a bank, there are a few crucial steps
and items you must have in place in order to be taken seriously. Learn
from lenders at Wells Fargo the things you need and resources available
to position yourself and your business to be lender approved.
MODERATED BY: Carmen West, Office of Business Development,
Minority Business Development Agency
PRESENTED BY: Wells Fargo
PANELIST INCLUDE: Schnearia Ashley, Vice President, BB&T; David
Weild, New York Stock Exchange; Jervis Hough, Broker Dealer
and Registered Investment Advisory Chief Compliance Office, IFS
Securities; and a representative from JP Morgan Chase
PLENARY SESSION #2: CREATING WEALTH THROUGH THE BLACK CHURCH
4:00PM – 5:30PM
[Liberty Salons IJKL]
For more than two centuries black churches have been at the center of community and development in our
neighborhoods. This history began during slavery where blacks formed religious congregations, prioritizing
abolition and solidarity, linking to form stations in the Underground Railroad. After the civil war and
throughout the civil rights movement black churches organized efforts for social, economic, and political
institutions, also spearheading development in the housing arena which altered the racial and economic
makeup of countless residential neighborhoods in America. Today with the combined wealth of blacks in
our country making up only 3 percent of the national net worth, we need to discover ways for intentional
partnerships between black churches and black chambers of commerce to foster community development
practices and policies that build on the institutional strengths of our groups to meet the changing demands
and landscape of our communities today.
MODERATED BY: Roland Martin, News One Now
PANELIST INCLUDE: Van Moody, Pastor, The Worship Center Christian Church and Rev. Jonathan
Weaver, Pastor, Greater Mount Nebo AME Church; and Bishop Alexis A. Thomas, Senior Pastor, Pilgrim
Rest Baptist Church
6:00PM – 8:00PM
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS RECEPTION
[BAR 7 | 1015 7th St NW | Washington, DC]
Sponsored by:
www.usblackchambers.org | pg 3
THURS. MAY | 19
Sponsored by: PLENARY SESSION #3 ELECTION 2016: WHAT’S AT STAKE FOR BLACK BUSINESS?
8:00AM – 9:30AM
[Liberty Salons IJKL]
It is no accident that advocacy is the first pillar of service under USBC’s mission. The 2016
election is going to be a pivotal election for Black businesses. We know in order to create and
maintain generational change in our communities, the economic sustainability of black
businesses and employers must be at the forefront of any conversation we have with any
Presidential candidate. This discussion will assess what President Obama’s impact has been
on Black business, as well as, what the future of Black business looks like under the current
Presidential candidates. Collectively we will ensure our voice will be heard.
MODERATED BY: Marie Johns, President, L&L Consulting
PANELIST INCLUDE: Tara Setmayer, Political Commentator, CNN & Michael Eric Dyson,
Ph.D., Author and Professor of Sociology, Georgetown University
9:45AM – 10:45AM
CHAMBER LEADERS
BUSINESS OWNERS
WORKSHOP SESSION #3A: DOING
BUSINESS IN ABROAD
WORKSHOP SESSION #3B: GOVERNMENT
CONTRACTING
[Howard University Room]
[George Washington University Room]
International business remains one of the
most unexplored areas for growth for Black
businesses. With only 4% of the world’s
population living within the United States’
borders, there is a tremendous opportunity
to do business internationally. Attendees
will identify what industries are most desired
internationally, as well as receive step-by-step
instructions on how to prepare to do business
abroad.
In a very competitive market, entrepreneurs
must be extremely innovative, efficient, and
reliable to secure government contracts. Learn
from procurement officials and contracting
experts on how to best position your company
to win federal, state and local contracting
awards.
PRESENTED BY: Ken Evans, President, The
Urban Chamber of Commerce; Antwaun D.
Griffin, Deputy Assistant Secretary for U.S.
Operations - Global Markets, U.S. Department
of Commerce-International Trade
Administration; and Michael Obi, Chairman
and CEO, Spectrum Global Solutions
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
PRESENTED BY: Michelle ThompsonDolberry, American Express OPEN ; DeVera
Redmond, OSDBU, US Department of
Transportation; and Elijah Williams,
Office of Government Contracting &
Business Development, U.S. Small Business
Administration
WORKSHOP SESSION #3C: STRATECHIC
[Georgetown University Room]
“If you don’t set expectations, nothing will
happen!” Michele Thornton urges women to
get strategic—actually, she calls it Stratechic.
She believes women are innate strategists that
use most of their time and focus taking care
of others. With her proven 10-step framework,
Thornton helps every woman be more
Stratechic and reclaim the power they naturally
possess! Learn from author and Senior Vice
President of Centric TV, the strategies and
useful tools you need on why and how to
accomplish your goals.
PRESENTED BY: Michele Thornton, SVP Ad
Sales, Centric TV
10:30AM – 12:00PM
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX – ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING PROGRAM
pg 4 | 2016 School of Chamber and Business Management
[Mint Room]
11:00AM – 12:00PM
CHAMBER LEADERS
BUSINESS OWNERS
WORKSHOP SESSION #4A: BEING UBER
SUCCESSFUL [Howard University Room]
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
WORKSHOP SESSION #4B: WOMEN IN
BUSINESS
WORKSHOP SESSION #4C: BLACK MALE
ENTREPRENEUR INSTITUTE
Uber has changed the way we commute
with innovative and convenient approaches
to coordinating travel for the everyday
individual. This workshop will share how to
do business with Uber locally and how your
chamber members can incorporate Uber into
their business operations to cut costs and
maximize efficiency.
[George Washington University Room]
[Georgetown University Room]
African American women entrepreneurs
are the fastest growing population in the
entrepreneurship community, having grown
67.5% since 2007. In this workshop you
will learn from several successful women
entrepreneurs about their pathway to
success.
PRESENTED BY: : Malcom Glenn, Public
MODERATOR: Avis Jones-DeWeever,
Founder, Exceptional Leadership Institute
for Women
The Black Male Entrepreneur (BME) Institute
provides Black male entrepreneurs with
a dynamic and personalized business
developmental experience. Through this
experience, cohort members will exchange
ideas, lessons learned and best practices
with fellow entrepreneurs during formal and
informal sessions as they enhance, education
& empower one another.
Policy, Uber
PRESENTED BY: Howard Jean
PRESENTERS INCLUDE: Kimberly A.
Blackwell, Chief Executive Officer, PMM
Agency and Psyche Terry, CEO, UI Global
Brands
12:00PM – 2:00PM
ADVOCACY LUNCHEON
[Liberty Salons IJKL]
Sponsored by:
2:30PM – 3:30PM
WORKSHOP SESSION #5A: ROUNDTABLE
DISCUSSION - BLUEPRINT FOR CHAMBER
SUCCESS [Howard University Room]
In 2012 USBC conducted a strategic planning
session to advance the growth and role of
black chambers across the country. During this
session, we will assess the responses from the
recent Chamber Leader assignment analyzing
progress and impacts made over the last five
years and form a collective strategy to empower
forward momentum in chamber development.
LED BY: Tate Hill, President, Fresno Metro
Black Chamber
2:30PM – 4:00PM
Committed to speaking up and fighting for equal opportunities
for black businesses to grow in our country, each we award
the trailblazing work of one individual who beyond measure
impacts the environment for black businesses to thrive. This
year The Aubry Stone Advocate of the Year Award will honor
Congresswoman Yvette Clark.
WORKSHOP SESSION #5B: MAXIMIZING
YOUR CERTIFICATIONS
WORKSHOP SESSION #5C: THE FUTURE OF
BUSINESS: E-COMMERCE
[George Washington University Room]
[Georgetown University Room]
This workshop will help you identify which
certifications should be priorities for you, as
well as, what strategies for growth should be
implemented once the certification has been
awarded.
Avoid overhead and unnecessary expenses.
Learn how to effectively sell your products
online. Hear from industry experts on ways to
use the internet as your store-front.
PRESENTED BY: LaCheryl Jones,
Executive Director, The G.R.O.W. Center
and Teairra Swain, DBE & Compliance
Specialist, Washington Metropolitan Area
Transit Authority (WMATA)
CONTACTS TO CONTRACTS SESSION WITH AT&T
[Mint Room]
Join our partners from AT&T as they share insight about viable contracting opportunities. This unique
matchmaking session is an intimate setting where both the supplier and business owners can truly develop lasting
relationships and turn new contacts into contracts.
4:00PM - 5:30PM
PLENARY SESSION #4: USBC ADVOCACY
[Liberty Salons IJKL]
www.usblackchambers.org | pg 5
FRI. MAY | 20
9:00AM – 11:00AM
11:30AM
3:00PM
WHITE HOUSE BUSINESS LEADERS BRIEFING
Group School Photo at Capitol Hill
POP-UP RETAIL SHOP
Sponsored by:
6:00PM – 10:00PM
Get ready for the evening’s Gala and stop by Macy’s pop up retail shop
for accessories, make-up, and mini makeovers.
SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS GALA
[Independence Ballroom]
CHAIRED BY:
Lyle Logan
Executive Vice President, Northern Trust Corporation
HONORING:
John Rogers
Chairman, Ariel Investments
Lifetime Legacy Business Award
FEATURING:
Angela Stribling
Master of Ceremonies
Radio Host, WHUR 96.3
and Sirius XM Channel 141
AND
Live Entertainment
from Marcus Johnson
pg 6 | 2016 School of Chamber and Business Management