Honoring the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware on two decades of commitment to supporting the economic empowerment and growth of African-American businesses on the occasion of its 20 Year Anniversary.

WHEREAS, The African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ and DE (AACC) was formed in 1993 in response to the legal challenge by the contractor's associations that African Americans experienced discrimination in city contracting; and

WHEREAS, In 2004, the African American Foundation was formed as a non-profit entity of the Chamber for the purpose of promoting the sound economic well being and empowerment of African-American owned businesses, the African-American business community, the AACC and the economic status of the African-American community through educational and other charitable means; and

WHERAS, The mission of the AACC is to spur the economic development of African-American entrepreneurs and other minority-owned businesses by increasing business opportunities, providing access to major corporate markets and legislative officials, cultivating potential strategic partners, and advocating on behalf of its membership; and

WHEREAS, The AACC is the leading advocate for minority owned business in the Delaware Valley and Southeastern Pennsylvania focused on enhancing the growth and effectiveness of African-American owned businesses in the Delaware Valley, and thereby, improving the economic conditions within the regional African-American community; and

WHEREAS, The AACC furthers the interests of businesses by responding to the needs of the business community and serving as a strong advocate for the purpose of increasing economic opportunities for the African-American community; and

WHEREAS, The AACC support and contribution to regional businesses and local community development aims to help businesses understand the relationship between African-American business development and African-American community development, improving economic opportunities and helping to build thriving communities for everyone; and

WHEREAS, The AACC is a leader in its field in supporting regional African-American businesses from entrepreneurs to corporations and educating African-American business owners in understanding how their success in business can lead directly to the growth of thriving African-American communities; now therefore

Resolved, that the Council of the city of PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and congratulates the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware on two decades of commitment to supporting the economic empowerment and growth of African-American businesses on the occasion of its 20 Year Anniversary.

Further Resolved, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to AACC as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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