Photo: McBoat Photography
Cole: Let’s switch gears and end with you as a Chamber colleague by providing a positive and forward-looking statement about the Black Chamber’s future for the next 40 years. Ross: As we look to the next 40 years, I see the Chamber becoming an increasingly powerful economic catalyst, transforming Black entrepreneurship from underrepresented to indispensable in Colorado’s business landscape. Black-owned businesses are not just important cultural touchstones – they are essential economic drivers whose success ripples throughout our communities and the broader economy. The Chamber’s expanded role in cultivating, supporting, and advancing these businesses will be instrumental in creating generational wealth, vibrant communities, and innovative solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.
I envision a future where the Black Chamber’s influence extends far beyond traditional business support, becoming a central force in economic policy development, investment strategy, and cross-sector collaboration. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and unwavering advocacy, the Chamber will help Black entrepreneurs not just participate in the economy but fundamentally reshape it. Further Reading: Simone D. Ross expands on the urgent need for economic inclusivity and systemic change in her recent op-ed for Colorado Newsline. Read more about why DEI is critical to America’s economic future here: DEI is America’s Economic Future
30 The Acumen
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