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October 7, 2024
Dear San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce Members and Business Community,
In September, I posed some critical questions: Have you prioritized your health? Have health-related setbacks delayed your pursuit of wealth? These are not just theoretical questions but fundamental to our success and longevity as business leaders.
We all know that planning is essential for success. If you wrote your business plan before starting your venture, you likely had a clear roadmap with goals, projections, and growth strategies. This level of strategic thinking empowers us. Let me ask you: Have you written a Health Plan? One that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, rest, relaxation, and fun? I haven’t always been consistent, but I challenge you to start this month.
This is not about waiting for a New Year’s resolution. Let this be your New Business Resolution.
Stop telling yourself that you're buried under too many emails or don't have enough hours in the day. We often sacrifice ourselves for the sake of the business. But when your health suffers, so does your business. Your family may feel your absence, your time fades, and before you know it, you’re facing severe health issues—issues that could have been prevented. Don’t wait for the wake-up call of a stroke, heart attack, or other health crisis because you were “too busy.”
While we're having this important conversation, ask yourself: Have you written a will? Do you have life insurance in place? Is it time to set up a trust? We often avoid these things until it's too late. Don't let that be you.
As a Global Event and Meeting Planner, I’ve felt the strain myself—juggling time zones, clients, volunteer commitments, and sometimes forgetting to eat or take a break. It's not healthy. But here’s the good news: We can change. I challenge you to act—today.
Start small: walk for 15 minutes daily, hike, or hit the gym on weekends. Set limits on your workday; turn off the computer after 7 hours, put down the phone, and pick up a book. Reconnect with people you haven’t spoken to in a while. Take a breather.
Being a business owner is a powerful accomplishment, but ask yourself: Are you happy? Are you thriving or just surviving? Take a pause and reclaim your health and your joy.
I’d love to hear about the Health Plan you’re creating. Let’s keep each other accountable. Feel free to email me at together.we.thrive2021@gmail.com, and let’s make wellness a community effort.
Here’s to your health, happiness, and continued success.
In community,
Brigette
Brigette R. LeBlanc, MTA
Vice Chair of the Board of Directors
San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce
New Members
Baines Group Inc., (BGI), is a leading San Francisco, Bay Area General Contractor, (GC) specializing in residential affordable housing. We also have extensive experience in commercial building and we provide Construction Management services. BGI has over 50 combined years of experience, is dedicated to building long-term business relationships; with earned trust and respect with its partners and clients to complete projects on time, the right way.
Jason Matthews
Matthews Financial and Insurance
President and CEO
510-229-7608
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Financial Planning
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Insurance Planning
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Estate Planning
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Business Planning for you and your employees
Retirement Planning
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Growth strategy advice and execution planning
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Business Brokerage Services (help you buy or sell a business)
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Business Administration optimization and automation leveraging Apps & technology
SFAACC STEM COHORT 2024
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SEPTEMBER CHAMBER ACTIVITIES
SFAACC EVENTS/MEETINGS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
"We Are One"
Black Organizer's Mixer
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October 11, 2024
5172 3rd Street, San Francisco
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Inquiries:
USBC Corporate Communications
U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Announces Their 2024 Power 50 Under 40 Honorees
[WASHINGTON] September 24, 2024 – The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC)
is thrilled to unveil its 2024 class of Power 50 Under 40 honorees, presented by Walmart and Molson Coors. This esteemed list features a diverse assembly of young Black leaders who have significantly impacted various fields such as business, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, health, technology, and advocacy.
About the Power 50 Under 40
The Power 50 Under 40 awards ceremony will take place on Friday, October 11, 2024, at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. The event celebrates these visionary leaders under the theme "The Future of Black Leadership: Innovate, Elevate, Collaborate."
This year’s honorees are trailblazers in business, education, arts, sports, entertainment, philanthropy, technology, and social justice. Each boldly reshapes industries and drives transformative change that elevates communities and enriches lives worldwide.
Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty, Founder of Fenty Beauty, has been honored as the 2024 Playmaker of the Year for her trailblazing impact in the beauty industry. Meanwhile, Joshua DuBois, Founder and CEO of Value Partnerships, has been recognized as the 2024 Game Changer 'Entrepreneur' of the Year for his outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship and social impact.
Some of this year’s powerhouse honorees include Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles and Quincy Wilson, celebrated for their unparalleled athletic achievements and influence beyond the podium. Earl Cooper and Olajuwon Ajanaku, the visionary Co-Founders of Eastside Golf, are hailed for revolutionizing the intersection of fashion and sports. NFL quarterback CJ Stroud is recognized for his prowess on the field and his impactful philanthropy and leadership that extends far beyond the game.
The illustrious Michael B. Jordan, renowned actor and trailblazing entrepreneur, is celebrated for his transformative influence in entertainment and business. Chef JJ Johnson, the acclaimed mastermind behind Field Trip, is recognized for redefining culinary creativity and innovation. Joining this dynamic roster are powerhouse WNBA star and co-owner of DC Power Football Club Angel Reese, Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, the visionary CEO of Ebony Media, and Damola Adamolekun, the newly appointed CEO of Red Lobster, alongside many other groundbreaking professionals shaping industries and inspiring change.
Ron Busby Sr., President and CEO of USBC, declared, "These extraordinary individuals are the embodiment of Black excellence and leadership. Their achievements not only demonstrate the limitless potential of Black talent but also ignite a powerful spark of inspiration for future generations to rise and lead. We are proud to celebrate their remarkable contributions and eagerly anticipate the profound impact they will continue to make on our communities and the world."
2024 USBC Power 50 Honorees
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Damola Adamolekun, Red Lobster, CEO
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Olajuwon Ajanaku, Eastside Golf, Co-Founder
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Kyra Ambrose, REA Media Consulting, Creative Head
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Johnny Bailey, Bailey Media Group, Founder & CEO
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Sierra Balgar, City Girl Golf, Founder
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Simone Biles, Team USA, Olympic Gold Medalist
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Absalom Boiling, Vice Chairman, Kappa Alpha Psi for St. Jude
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Chris & Fay Breedlove, Terminal B, Co-Founders
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Keisha Brewer, The PR Alliance, Founder & CEO
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Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, Ebony Media, CEO
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Kelli Brooks, EiRAM Group, Founder & CEO
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DeAndre Brown, GenXL Consulting, Founder
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Isaiah Bryant, American Urban Radio Networks, Vice President of Sales
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Alicia Butler, National Action Network (NAN), Health Equity Director Program and Policy Liaison
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Earl Cooper, Eastside Golf, Co-Founder
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Greg Davis, Davis Broadcasting Inc., Vice President
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Anthony Edwards Jr., EatOkra, Co-Founder & CEO
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Vincent Evans, Congressional Black Caucus, Executive Director
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Milan Harris, Milan Rouge, Founder & CEO
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Amber Hewitt, District of Columbia Government; Mayor's Office of Racial Equity, Chief Equity Officer
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Darryl Holiday Jr., Warner Bros / TNT Sports, Marketing Manager
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Roosevelt Holmes III, U.S. Minority Business Development Agency, Acting Chief of Staff
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Shayna Jamison, Amazon, Marketing Manager - Amazon's Black Business Accelerator
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Tiffany Johnson, Microsoft, Director, Startup Engagement & Creator of Amazon Black Business Accelerator
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Chef JJ Johnson, Field Trip Restaurants, Founder & CEO
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Michael B. Jordan, Investor, Actor, Entrepreneur
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Elly Karamoh, Fashion Stylist, Entrepreneur
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Demarius Love, Full Circle Strategies, Vice President
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Kurt & Deanna Mangum, CoupleyFit, Co-Founders
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Shaun Mayo, Arizona Cardinals, Chief People Officer
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Jade Melvin, Servant-Leader | Minority-Owned Business Advocate
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Zhu Mendoza, Fun Project - Kiddie Convos, Founder & CEO
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Durecia Moorer, ABCD & Company, Managing Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
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Sarah Nesbit, Capital One, Principal Associate - External Affairs Strategy and Engagement - Community Advocacy and Risk
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Kimberly Nettles, Johnson & Johnson, Health Equity Lead for Cancer, US Medical Affairs
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Michael Nordman, Molson Coors, Senior Manager of Community Affairs
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Christen O'Neal, The Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC)
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Earnest Offley, AiCure, Chief People and Diversity Officer
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Oye Owolewa, DC Congressional/Statehood Delegation, US Representative of Washington, DC
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Sierra Rainge-Jones, Live Limitless Media Group, Founder & CEO
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Angel Reese, WNBA, Professional Athlete, Owner of DC Power Football Club
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Demar Roberts, First Choice Sales & Marketing Group, Chief Growth Officer
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Raven Robinson, Office Of State Senator Kevin Parker, Press Secretary
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Jo-Vaughn Scott, Impact Mentorship, Founder
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Monica Simmonds, Speaker / Author
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Jordan Slade, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., External Relations Manager
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Redell Spinks, InDemand Creative Agency, Founder & CEO
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CJ Stroud NFL Quarterback, Philanthropist
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Trell Thomas, Black Excellence Brunch, Founder & Executive Producer
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Nicole Tinson, HBCU 20x20 | The Application, CEO
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Quincy Wilson, Team USA, Olympic Gold Medalist
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Hope Wiseman, Wiseco, Founder & CEO
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Taylor Wright, The White House, Senior Advisor for Public Engagement
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Lou Young III, Lou Young Show, Founder & CEO
For more information about the event and USBC Power 50 Under 40, please visit www.usbcpower50under40.com.
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FEATURED SFAACC MEMBER
On October 17th please join us for a
Chamber's Night Out to patronize Dee at the
Castro Cocktail Lounge, 2344 Market Street, San Francisco
CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES
SFAACC members: If you wish to have a free booth at this event, please contact
Brigette Leblanc at together.we.thrive2021@gmail.com. All others, please RSVP below.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
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Elevate your restaurant's reputation at San Francisco's annual event. SFAACC restaurant members can show off your culinary skills and network with industry professionals. Register by October 21st with Brigette LeBlanc @ together.we.thrive2021@gmail.com.
SHARE WITH BURMINGHAM
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
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