OUR HISTORY
The Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce, originally chartered in 1943 as the Negro Chamber of Commerce, was the first of its kind in the region. Established to foster economic development within the Black community and the greater Coastal Bend area, its mission also focused on educating Black and minority business owners about city and county plans that could drive high-quality growth and economic progress. The Chamber played a pivotal role in promoting existing Black and minority businesses, supporting start-ups, and encouraging entrepreneurial ventures across the Coastal Bend.
OUR MISSION
The Mission of the Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce is to further promote social and economic development for the Coastal Bend Black/African-American communities. The Corpus Christi Black Chamber strives to make a difference by educating the public and expanding business opportunities.
OUR PURPOSE & VISION
The Corpus Christi Black Chamber is organized for the following purposes:
To develop, promote, and protect African American and minority businesses in the Corpus Christi area and surrounding cities,
To support the advancement, education and economic growth of the African American and minority business community, and
To serve as a business resource, a forum and advocate for African American and minority business issues and a united voice for the African American and minority business community.
WHO CAN JOIN THE CHAMBER?
In 1943, the Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce was established primarily to assist African Americans and minorities in establishing, promoting, and helping to grow their businesses in Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.
Throughout the years, we have opened our doors to many others. Any person, association, corporation, partnership, or organization expressing an interest in joining the Black Chamber, and who will uphold the Purpose and Mission of the Black Chamber shall be eligible for membership in the Black Chamber.
WHAT MEMBERSHIPS DO WE OFFER?
There are 4 types of Membership:
Individual/Associate or Professional: [Associate/Non-Business
Owner, Collegiate/Young Professionals]
For-profit Business: Up to 49 employees or members.
Nonprofit: organizations with a 501c* tax-exempt status
Corporate: 50 or more employees
MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENTS
Membership Fees are due annually per calendar year-Jan-Dec and are non-refundable. Membership fees may be paid via credit card online. If you join as a Business Member you will have the opportunity to create a subpage of your company, with a photo, on the Membership page.
WHAT ARE OUR MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS?
- Membership Pin, Koozie & Coffee mug
- Notification of Events/Procurement Opportunities/Access to Capital Eblasts & Meetings
- ADVOCACY opportunities
- SPONSORSHIP opportunities
- Subscription to Chamber Newsletter (quarterly)
- DBE certification assistance
- PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT (if requested)
- Invitation to attend exclusive community events or meetings with corporations.
- Networking Opportunities
- Discounts to Chamber Events
- MARKETING & ADVERTISING opportunity via online website Marketplace & chamber events
- Professional & Business Development and training events
- Access to Membership Directory via website
- Company Logo on Chamber Website (corporate level)
- Free Business evaluation with Ellison Helmsman
- MEMBER spotlight on website
- Opportunities to support MLK, Black History Month & Juneteenth Community Service Projects or Events.
Each business collaborates to build connections that foster empowerment and drive success in today’s competitive marketplace. Let’s move forward together and make it happen!