On June 25th, we had our 4th Annual Youth Business Conference. There were over 120 kids who participated in the event. We had many guest speakers in a variety of fields, these speakers included Monica Stockhausen, Pat Person, Afarah Board, and many more! We had two panels of speakers who answered questions directly from the youth about entrepreneurship, giving their advice and sharing their stories! Afarah Board also presented on lunch etiquette, tips for entrepreneurship and more! Bridgette Myrell led an activity in which the youth had to invent a product and give a two minute sales pitch to a panel of investors! The products they came up with were amazing, from Bluetooth earrings to smart glasses, the youth really impressed the investors. Overall, it was a fun and educational day for all the participants.

Our First Fridays mixer on July 6th had an amazing turnout! There were lots of new faces and it was a great networking opportunity. There was an activity in which people introduced each other to the crowd! This was not only fun, but we were also able to get to know the people in the room better! If you missed this social networking mixer, be sure to check out the next one on August 3rd.

On July 9th, we had another networking mixer. Robert Alaniz, a senior partner of Milagro Strategy Group, was our guest speaker. He went over how to be successful in promoting your business and in public relations. He gave lots of insight on how to be your own PR person and getting your message out there!

Highlights from Robert Alaniz’s presentation:

⦁ Headlines are important.

⦁ Reporters and readers want stories, not advertisements!

⦁ Thursdays at 10am are the best times for grand opening, events, etc. in terms of media coverage.

⦁ Ads announce something, whereas public relations helps to explain what it is.

Missed our event? Come to our Business Conference on July 30th to hear more from Mr. Alaniz and many others!

Every year, the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire hosts a business conference with workshops, guest speakers, and vendors for both members and nonmembers. The purpose of the conference is to provide opportunities for participants to get certified, educate them on various business aspects, and create a platform in which they can network and expand their businesses. There are more opportunities available than ever and it is the “Time to Thrive.” We, the chamber, hope you join us at the conference and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

July 30th – Business Conference

Registration is now open: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=gmv6wpjab&oeidk=a07efdccj421c9aca03

August 3rd – First Friday’s at Raquel’s Jazz Lounge