WHO WE ARE
OUR HISTORY
Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce (QCAACC)
In February 1993, several African American business owners began meeting to discuss ways to increase the number of African American businesses and aid existing businesses. Those business owners/community leader at that first meeting were Roosevelt Sumbry, Sumbry Enterprises; Larry Thomas, LT’s Chicken & Fish; Al Olieh, Small Business Accounting & Tax Services; Sherman Jenkins, Photography by Sherman; and Scheketa Hart-Burns, Alderwoman 7th Ward, City of Aurora, IL. The decision was made to form a Chamber of Commerce that would focus on issues relevant to African American businesses and pave the way to an eventual partnering with other chambers that were in existence at that time.
The Articles of Incorporation for the Aurora Area African American Chamber of Commerce were approved on August 10, 1993, by the State of Illinois. On Monday, August 23, 1993, a news conference was held at North Island Center in downtown Aurora, IL to announce the formation of the Chamber. The first officers of the Board of Directors were Chairman, Kenneth Crews, owner of Crews/Orr Group, Inc.; Chairman-elect Dr. Robert Bester, owner Best Foot & Ankle Care; and Treasurer Lorraine Hawkins, owner Hawkins Real Estate. The Chamber started with 16 members.
Since the Chamber’s inception, many African American businesses have been helped through workshops, seminars, grants, loans and scholarships to African American high school and college students. The Chamber has evolved from covering just the City of Aurora to now serving the counties of Kane, Kendall, DuPage and Will. With this growth, the name of the Chamber has changed as well as its logo. One key element of the Chamber has stayed constant and that is its mission and purpose.
At its 20th year anniversary, the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce produced a photo album that was meant to document the success and longevity of an institution that remains relevant today as it was in 1993. The empowerment of business and community for African Americans in the counties of Kane, Kendall, DuPage, and Will is still paramount.
"The QCAACC believes in economic empowerment for the African American community. We strive to provide access to resources and opportunities that will promote success in business and in life."
Our Goals
The QCAACC aims to promote economic development and business growth in the African American community. We provide access to resources and opportunities that will promote success in business and in life.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create an environment where African American businesses can thrive and succeed. We envision a future where African American entrepreneurs are able to achieve their goals and contribute to the economic growth of our community.