The Transparency, Accountability & Capacity Report: Assessment of Fresno Black Chambers of Commerce

After the historical election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States and Ashley Swearengin as mayor of Fresno along with the economic down turn, business as we know it has changed. Even as our nation and city turn a new page, the stakeholders of Fresno’s African-American business community realize that the function and purpose of a black chamber becomes more imperative in maintaining a healthy business climate. After several years of discontent, a group of former members of the San Joaquin Valley Black Chamber of Commerce started the Central California Chamber of Commerce in 2007.

The status of two chambers has created an upheaval within the community- corporate partners are uncertain whom to support, government is tittering between both, and the black community is unclear as to which to best serves its interest.

After a 120-day evaluation and assessment process that incorporating reviewing Chamber programs and systems, interviews and surveys, The Transparency, Accountability & Capacity Report: Assessment of Fresno Black Chambers of Commerce presents observations and recommendations about how to best move forward.

As always, I welcome your comments and I have extended the offer to publish a written response from their of the chambers.

Fresno's Black Buying Power?

Annual Black Purchase Power in Fresno County?

$486 Million (Source: 2000 Census)

Based on the Selig Center for Economic Growth's estimation that national black buying would grow 34% over five years could have local buying power in 2007 more than $652 Million.

Selig estimated national black buying power to be $847 billion while minority toppled more than $2.1 trillion in 2007.

YES WE DID: Obama Wins the Presidency!

There were crowds of cheers, student streaming, and youth yelling "Obama" all across our city and nation when elections results came out that we as a country elected the first African-American as president of the United States (hear Valley Black Talk interviews on election night comments). Over 100,000 people filled Grant Park in Chicago as President-elect Barack Obama delivered a rousing acceptance speech that echoed "Yes We Can". Tears filled the eyes of one-time presidential candidate, Rev. Jesse Jackson who stood in the crowd celebrating an unquestionable victory for civic rights. Jackson later spoke to Robin Roberts of ABC's Good Morning America about the progress our country has made. "Once the walls [of race] are broken down, we can begin to build bridges". During Obama victory speech he stated that we will get there. It may be in the first year or the first term but that we will get there.

Some commentators questioned whether this election was a referendum on America's morals. Others argue with the statement that the Obama election restates the greatness of the country. This would be a great country no matter what happened but it's a better for it.

We as a country and a people are turning a new chapter in the history and evolution of America and I look forward to seeing what we will write.

The Best of Black Fresno survey

This past spring, In the Black e-newsletter, focused on providing an African-American perspective to local topics, conducted a survey administered by Constant Contact to its over 230 readers in a desire to gain an African-American perspective on leadership, civic participation, business and local market preferences. The survey entailed a series of questions asking participants to rate the performance, effectiveness and satisfaction with individuals, organizations and agencies in Fresno.

The Best of Black Fresno Survey Summary

Go to Blog Talk Radio to hear the radio program about the results that airs Monday, July 28, 2008 at 8 PM on KFCF 88.1 FM. Guest included Councilmember Cynthia Sterling and Keith Kelley.

Its starts today, vote Senator Obama

We will possibly mark Tuesday, February 5, 2008 as the day that will change of course of American politics. Voters all across the country will exercise their rights in the ultimate democratic process. Over the years, many disenfranchised group within our society have felt alienated from the electoral process because they lacked representation that truly addressed the core of their needs while inspiring them to look forward to the future.

The 2008 Primary will act as an opportunity for individuals like you and I to support a candidate who challenges stereotypes and will transcend the social barriers within our country. One that will inspire both young and mature members of our community and mobilize them to see cast their vote with confidence that we are on the brink of change beyond just a catchy political phrase. I believe this candidate to be presidential hopeful, Senator Barack Obama.

One of the defining moments for me have been the numerous calls and conversations with young black men from the hood to the college campus following the details of the election— speeches, debates and previous primaries. Thousands of nontraditional voters and supporters are joining their enthusiasm in states like Idaho and Delaware where Obama drew crowds of 10-15 thousand people. But its’ more than record breaking rally attendance, raising $32M in January alone (2.5X more than Clinton) and the endorsement of the Kennedys, Oprah, and Maria Shiver. Obama has substantive plans regarding universal healthcare, access to equitable education, energy independence and a withdrawal of our troops from Iraq war that will boost our economy, provide and prepare generations to come with a higher quality of life and restore our global relationships.

But it all starts today with a casted vote for Senator Obama.

Fresno's Ethnic Professionals under 40: Changing the way we think about leadership

Last week Business Street, a local business newspaper announced their list of “top business professionals in the private and public sectors in central California who are leaders in the community, and have experienced great success before the age of 40”. Of the 40 individuals listed, only nine were of color. This say one of two things: (a) this is another example of how ethnic minorities are excluded from mainstream media messages and the dominant culture’s concept of power and success; or (b) there is continued concentration of real power and influence amongst Caucasians in a community that is 55% comprised of Blacks, Hispanic/Latinos and Southeast Asians. One would hope those undesirable traits of previous generations would not be passed on as a rite of passage as our age bracket proclaims to stand at a higher level of equity and social justice.

Some satisfy their internal struggle of being perceived as socially equitable when developing comprehensive lists such as these or collecting community data by stating they aren’t aware of members of disconnected, disenfranchised or minority groups (it’s the same rationale used by those over 40 to exclude those under 40 from the conversation). OK….. why don’t you? With access to the internet, six local cambers and business associations of which four are ethnic based, and the thousands of ethnic business owners alone the age of ignorance is inexcusable. Even if none of those resources existed, one could make a good ol’ fashion telephone call to a few knowledgeable people of color in their network (there is an assumption there) as I did to come up with these individuals:


Debbie McKenzie, came to the Valley four years ago as a AmeriCore VISTA and now works under the County Administrator’s Office as the coordinator of the County of Fresno’s Gang Taskforce.

Dwayne Ferguson, owner of Overcolor Print & Design and developer of BlackXchange.net, a nationwide black business directory and search engine

Darrell Stamps & Veda Ramsay-Stamps, formerly the County Housing Manager and City Council Budget Analyst, they are now managing partners of Catalyst Development and The Ramsay Group whose clients include The California Endowment, City of Fresno, and The Redevelopment Agency and Fresno Works for Better Health. Veda is the co-chair of the City’s 10X10 Housing Taskforce.

Crystal Smith, City of Fresno management analyst who administered the City’s $9M CDBG funds now working in the Mayor’s Office as a budget analyst.

Terence Frazier, Frazier Realty. FSU and professional baseball athlete turned owner/broker/real estate developer. Terence seats on the board of the Central Valley Business Incubator.

Sandy Cha* is the local Community Development Officer for Wells Fargo Bank and sits on Wells Fargo Asian Business Services Strategic Advisory Board. Sandy is on the board of the Fresno County Women’s Chamber of Commerce and a graduate of Leadership Fresno.

Yammilette Gutierrez Rodriguez, government relations liaison for PG&E and the former Director of Admissions at Fresno Pacific University

Lawrence D. Garcia, since taking over his father’s business in 2000, he has grown AmeriGuard Security to a $4M private security company with 12 times the number of employees. AmeriGuard is one of the largest locally-Hispanic owned businesses that employs 180 Valley residents and has been featured on the Hispanic Business 500 List and in The Business Journal’s Book of List. Lawrence is the treasurer of the Central CA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a member of Chief Dyer’s Advisory Board.

Rev. Shane Scott* is the newly installed pastor of largest African-American church in the greater Fresno area, Saints Rest Baptist Church with over 1100 members. He is overseeing an onsite 20,000 sq. ft expansion that will include a new recreational and community center. Because of his work in the SF Bay Area before moving to Fresno, he is well connected and resourced nationally.

Silas Cha is the associate director at Fresno Center for New Americans serving the Valley’s 30,000 plus refugee community. Silas leads Hmong-American Concerned Citizens and is a recognized advocate in health care and refugee-related issues. This UC Berkeley alumus is a graduate of Great Valley Center’s IDEAL program and sits on the regional advisory board for the Central Valley Health Policy Institute.

Marcus Davis & Nickolas Crawford* of Creative Solutions Marketing Group is one of the upcoming marketing solutions firms being incubated by the Central Valley Business Incubator. But don’t think these guys are beginners. With clients from CSU Fresno, Cool Hand Luke’s and the National Baptist Convention of America. Not sure if you’ve their work? Think about the Bruce Bowne Foundation, FWCED or Cooper River Ranch websites, the website and materials for the Worlds Aparts, Future Together Summit (Fall 2006), CSUF Football tickets… that’s Creative Solutions.

Tate Hill*, former Vice President of Program Services at Fresno West Coalition for Economic Development who helped bring $1.1 M of new grants to southwest Fresno, finalized the West Fresno Association serving over 350 Empowerment Zone residents with access to the Fresno County Federal Credit Union and participated in the launch of African-American micro loan fund through Valley Small Business Corporation. Tate was the founding chair of Creative Fresno and member of the Mayor’s Creative Economy Council. Currently, he is the Central Valley Vice President for Youth Leadership Institute.

* under 30

Hillary Hysteria?

On Monday, October 22, presidential hopeful Senator Hillary Clinton made a campaign stop in the Central Valley. To a diverse crowd of nearly 1000 supporters and a few outskirt protesters, the former first lady of the White House touted her stance on the war in Iraq, health care, education and need to investment in renewable energy. Some of the platform speakers, which included Delores Huerta (co-founder of the United Farm Workers), Council President Henry Perea, Councilmember Blong Xiong and program emcee Cynthia Sterling, sang Mrs. Clinton’s praise and mentioned the Valley hadn’t been inspired to such Democratic-fever since the famed Robert Kennedy visit over forty years ago.

Four black leaders were on the platform in front of Fresno High School at Monday's rally including Rev. Shane B. Scott, the senior pastor of St. Rest Baptist Church. His support for Senator Clinton centers on the issues that are important to him and his congregation-- health care and education. "My support is based on qualifications over race", says Pastor Scott, when asked what drew him away from his early support of Senator Barack Obama. Like others, he had contacted Obama's staff about planning a visit to the Central Valley, only to be told the campaign preferred to utilize resources elsewhere in the state.

Where is Brother Barack?

As the campaign proceeds and Senator Clinton continues to command strong support national wide by African-American voters, the question is— where is Brother Barack? Given Senator strong showing, will he reconsider visiting Valleycrats, who tend to be more conservative than their counterparts in the Bay Area and Southern California? Can he appeal to the Valley’s younger demographic (age 18-34), where his support is the strongest?

In the Black- 2006 In Review

Black politics revived. In the city of Fresno , we had black candidates in almost level of office from County, City to school districts. Cynthia Sterling made history in 2002, as the first African-American woman elected to the Fresno City Council and in 2006 as the only the second African-American to be re-elected to the City Council (Les Kimber was the first). Cal Johnson defeated Luisa Medina, to the glee of many, to represent the Edison Area on Fresno Unified School District . Being the 4^th largest district in the state, Johnson has his work cut out for him from healthcare cost, dealing with a system producing one of the highest drop-out rates in the nation especially amongst black students, and much more. Dorothy “Dottie” Smith was re-elected to the State Community College District that includes Fresno City College (lead by Dr. Ned Doffoney- the first and only black college president in the Central Valley ). Activist Rev. Floyd Harris gave incumbent Eubanks a run for his money in the race for the Fresno County Board of Education.

Black Political Council- Change in leadership. Since January 2006, Audrey Redmond was elected to take the helm of the organization founded by the late Dr. Jackie Hodges. While the organization has not been without controversy (what would you expect, it’s a political organization!), people are again talking about it. During this past election cycle, the Council successfully received several written pledges from candidates—now elected officials that they would hire blacks within their offices. I hope the Council will hold those officials accountable to those promises.

The Fresno Black Caucus…. a new black think tank? The concept of the caucus is to be informal clearing house (no plans to develop a new 501c3) for addressing issues pertaining to education, economic prosperity, health and confronting Fresno ’s black community. The group included community heavyweights in all sectors and walks of life that are posed to bring resources and expertise to help tackle issue outlined in Smiley’s Covenant with Black America. Because the group is in its infancy, it’s too early to judge its product.

Hanford recognizes MLK Day. The civic pressure imposed on the Hanford City Council that resulted in them observing the Martin Luther King’s birthday as a paid holiday for city employees was the combined effort of multiple organizations and agencies in and out the Central Valley. I was proud to see the collaborative efforts between branches of the NAACP ( Fresno and Hanford ), the National Action Network and several others that helped the make the often discounted black voice of the South Valley heard.

Allensworth smothered by cows. One of the few locations that has a black historic value in the state might have get use to its new next door neighbor— 7,500 cows. In their wisdom, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted to issue a permit to Sam Etchegaray, a local dairyman to develop a tour-crushing 320 acre dairy adjacent to the Allensworth State Park . Etchegaray states the 60 jobs and the $20M boost will “usher impoverished minorities into the middle class” (LA Times, Dec. 8, 2006 ). Question: how many of those jobs will benefits residents of that community? You expect me to believe that I would walk in that dairy in find Latino and Black managers, agriculturists, and animal health specialists with benefits, 401Ks, and health care plans? The State Parks system is in negotiation with the owner to purchase a percentage of the land to provide a buffer between the two planned dairies and the park.

The Police. Wait before you just scroll through this one. I know there are many sides to police in the black community, especially in Fresno . From Block Parties to unnecessary force, we face the many ‘issues’. Allow me to paint a picture with statistics taken the quarterly demographics data report published this October 2006. I’ll let you do the interpretation:

City of Fresno Traffic Stops

	Blacks	Whites
Traffics Stops	1 for every 20 residents	1 for every 33 residents
Vehicle Searches because of traffic stops	1 for every 8 stops 2X more likely than Whites	1 for every 16 stops
Arrest resulted from stop	3 for every 100	1 for every 100

Source: City of Fresno Police Department- Crime Statistics, Traffic Stops Demographic Data (Qtr 3, 2006)

(http://www.fresno.gov/NR/rdonlyres/C2629BC5-75F5-4B7E-9E5B-5E8D305CF7CA/0/2006DDC3rdQuarter.pdf )

Some believe that a Police Auditor would put the City on the right track towards a resolution surrounding racial profiling and the highly publicized police-citizen incidents occurring in West Fresno. Others see the effectiveness of community policing tools used in southwest Fresno through the “Bringing Broken Neighborhoods Back Together” Block Parties with neighborhood churches. The jury is still out.

Black businesses excluded from Journal’s top list. As an avid reader of the Business Journal, the Central Valley’s premier business publication and publisher of the “Book of List” (also a great resource for fundraising, networking, new clients), I recognized no black businesses listed amongst the hundreds included. Even on the short minority-owned business list- no black businesses are indicated. Is this by design or are we just not taking advantage of this marketing opportunity? In speaking with the staff, they specifically desire to diversify the list to include black-owned but the Lists are composted by participating businesses. We have to participate. Metropolitan Fresno or Fresno MSA (Fresno, Clovis and Madera) black businesses contribute $60M (US Census- 2002 Economic Survey) to the region’s economy through payroll alone (this doesn’t include black sole proprietors, entrepreneurs or self-employers). The Book of List data is collected during the summer and published every October. For more information contact Robin Ogle at The Business Journal, 490-3400 or rogle@thebusinessjounral.com .

Black-On-Black Lending. In 2006, the African-American Coalition for Capital Access was launched with the help of Valley Small Business Development Corporation (www.vsbdc.org). Fresno West Coalition for Economic Development (www.fwced.org) and the San Joaquin Valley Black Camber of Commerce (www.sjvbcc.org) acted as the lead organizations to start the pilot program. According to Travis Smiley Covenant with Black America, one of the fundamental avenues for building community wealth is through entrepreneurship and micro enterprise. A major hurdle to that is capital—the funds, dollars, greenbacks, ‘scrilla’, paper, however you describe it—to start the business or take it to the next level. The program was launched as a peer-to-peer program that coaches businesses during and after the process with the intention to lead them to market credit worthiness. The program has successful approved four (4) so far and the word is getting out.

BlackXchange rearranging the way we communicate. Dwayne Ferguson is a bold brother. He officially launched www.blackxchange.net in February that has grown from a handful to over 1500 member-businesses and organization across the country. He then bought an expandable RV to promote the virtual business network designed for blacks and took it across the state and nation. Dwayne didn’t stop there and it taking it to the next level with a 5000+ sq. ft. black business incubator near the Fresno Yosemite Intl. Airport . Oh and by the way, he and his wife own and operate Overcolor, a web/design and printing company. Dwayne isn’t alone. He is just one of the brothers and sisters under 40 making a mark on the community by helping us “learn, grow and Xchange” TM.

Republished with the expressed permission of In the Black e-newsletter