Chamber director wants group to grow

The African-American Chamber of Commerce of Central Pennsylvania is looking for new ways to grow.

"Standing still is a negative connotation, and we will not stand still," said Melvin Johnson, who became the group's executive director Oct. 1.

Johnson plans to increase interest in the 10-year-old chamber with membership drives. The group held such a meeting Jan. 17 at the Goodwin Memorial Family Life Center, IQ Harrisburg, where Johnson introduced the chamber's services for 2002. About 10 people attended the meeting.

"This is a new venture for me," said the former supervisor for investigations at the state Department of General Service's Bureau of Contract Administration and Business Development. Johnson is the chamber's only full-time worker.

Marva Brown is a marketing consultant for Cumulus Media Inc., the parent company of local radio stations, including WTCY-AM 1400 "The Touch" and WNNK-FM "Wink 104." She has been a chamber member for about two years. Brown said she believed Johnson's reputation as a well-respected member of the community helps the chamber.

Johnson said his Harrisburg-based organization gathers businesses statistics and distributes the information to members. For example, Johnson showed a performance audit of the state's Minority and Women Business Enterprise Program from April of last year. The audit said that the state Department of General Services had some accomplishments. Much of the report, however, shows the department's deficiencies, such as a weak commitment to assisting the minority- and women-owned business enterprise program.

The chamber also promotes small businesses, develops Web sites for members and posts resumes and jobs. Membership is $100 for small businesses, $1,000 for businesses with more than 50 employees and $35 for individuals. There are 100 members, Johnson said.

The African-American chamber is an affiliate of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber. The regional chamber promotes business and economic development in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties.

Led by president and chief executive officer David Black, the regional chamber also offers minority business development. Johnson said some of his members are members of the regional chamber.

He added that although the regional chamber supports black businesses, those businesses need an organization that focuses primarily on minorities so they can be more successful.

On Jan. 31, the two chambers held a Business and Job Opportunity Fair at the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers.

Johnson has also formed a partnership with SEDA (Susquehanna Economic Development Association) Council of Governments, Lewisburg, in January. The council provides services to business, communities and county and municipal government within 34 Pennsylvania counties. These services include financing and help with exporting.

Johnson hopes SEDA-COG, as well as his goals for 2002, can help revive the chamber.

According to SEDA-COG, which was designated by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a certified development corporation, it will help to continue the development of local black businesses.

The chamber applied for a loan with the organization to help its members. Johnson did not disclose the amount, but he said it is substantial. SEDA-COG is finalizing the application, he added.

The chamber, in return, will help promote an SBA lending program, said Jerry Bohinski, SEDA-COG's chief of economic development programs. "They are helping us get the word out," Bohinski said.