Bulletin Board
A 2018 Disparity in Contracting study for the City and County of Denver Revealed that disparities clearly still exist in the use of minority and women owned firms in city procurement practices, and affirmed the need to utilize contracting practices that are race and gender conscious. Similar findings were made in a 2023 study analyzing disparities in State procurement practices. This is where organizations like the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) step in. For nearly two decades, I’ve been privileged to support the CBCC’s mission of empowering the African American community in these spheres. My own corporate stint was brief, and despite abundant success and recognition, my time in corporate American was marked by layoffs that ultimately led me to entrepreneurship. RTL Networks, Inc. emerged from adversity, born after back-to-back lay-offs within a two- year span. Having recently been awarded full custody of my now 3 year old son, and was juggling a new home I had just purchased before being laid off, and single parenthood. This was motivation to pour every ounce of determination into building RTL Networks, Inc. Today, RTL Networks stands as a multi- million-dollar enterprise, renowned for the quality of our services, high client satisfaction and our steadfast commitment to the community. Our accolades speak volumes: • Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Mountain Desert Region) [2019] • Ranked on Inc Magazine’s “Inc. 500” List of Fastest Growing Private Companies in the Us [2010] • Multiple appearances on Inc Magazine’s “Inc. 5000” List of Fastest Growing Private Companies in the US • Black Enterprise Magazine: “Top 100” List of Largest Black-Owned Firms in USA [2014] • 9 News Business Leader of the Year [2011]
We invite you to learn more about the dynamic CBCC board members.
Founder, President, CEO RTL Networks, Inc. Founder, Board Chair RTL Foundation
Meet Richard Lewis Board Member
I moved to Denver in the spring of 1999. I had just separated from the US Air Force after a decade of service as a Communications Officer, where I served in various global locations, but I had no experience in corporate America. I was a new parent to a 10 month old son, and in a new city where I did not know a soul and I desperately needed a job. I share this personal journey because I firmly believe it’s not unique. Our communities are teeming with talented, hardworking individuals yearning for opportunities to advance professionally and support their families. However, the reality is: African Americans face disproportionate challenges in corporate America, encountering barriers to employment and advancement, hindering their economic progress. Studies consistently reveal disparities in hiring and promotion rates for African Americans. And if that were not enough, numerous assessments prove that contracting opportunities for African American-owned businesses also lag behind.
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The Acumen
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