The African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Milwaukee is in a redevelopment process that will position the organization to be both a resource and a better advocate for minority-owned businesses in the community, according to Curtiss Harris, the new executive director of the organization.
Harris officially took over duties as executive director of the chamber in January after working side-by-side with the organization’s previous administration since 2007.
According to Harris, the organization has six new members on its 10-person board of directors, whom he plans to utilize and leverage.
"Our goal as a chamber is to add value to the community and our members," Harris said. "And in order to do that, we need to form a relationship with important members and organizations in the community, and that definitely involves the work of our board."
The AACC plans to make information surrounding project requests for proposals, procurement opportunities and contract bids available to its members, Harris said.
"We also want to assist our members in getting access to some of those projects by working with the city of Milwaukee and other state organization like the Department of Transportation to increase the inclusion of minority firms when doling out those projects and contracts," Harris said.
To be successful, Harris says organizations such as the AACC and the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce must work together on certain initiatives, and he has reached out to that organization for collaboration efforts.
BizTimes Milwaukee Reporter, Alysha Schertz caught up with Harris at the chamber office to discuss some of the changes being made. Watch a webcast of that video by clicking here.
