22 MCC Business Directory and Resource Guide
ROWING TOGETHER
Relationship between chambers of commerce a source of pride in business community
BY ANDY KNIGHT
We can do more together .
Over the past two years , the leaders of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce and the Anderson Madison County Black Chamber of Commerce have taken that mantra to heart , and the resulting cohesion between the two organizations has paid dividends for the county ’ s business community .
“ First and foremost , it starts with letting everyone know that we ’ re not trying to compete with other business organizations ,” said Clayton Whitson , president and CEO of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce . “ When we ’ re all rowing in the same direction , that makes for a stronger Madison County economy .”
Throughout 2020 , as the nation grappled with issues of racial injustice and police brutality , leaders of the county ’ s primary chambers of commerce were forging a working relationship based on a shared vision of growing businesses and providing meaningful employment opportunities . A job fair will be the first “ on-the-ground ” event the two chambers have co-hosted .
“ Although it ’ s two teams working together , it ’ s one vision , and that is trying to have a positive effect on the community ,” said Betty Williams , public relations director for the Anderson Madison County Black Chamber of Commerce . “ We can do that by working together helping the businesses to succeed , to grow and to know that we are there for them .”
Williams said the two chambers participated in a pandemic-delayed group forum to discuss issues including systemic racism , and a committee was tasked with formulating ideas that employers could incorporate into their policies .
“ We want to see what the needs are , how we can resolve ( those needs ) and make the community aware that there is systemic racism and how we can improve that by working together ,” she said .
Whitson said the Black Chamber has been “ invaluable ” in providing economic
HERALD BULLETIN FILE PHOTOS Lisa Anderson , left , and Betty Williams chat during the Anderson Madison County Black Chamber of Commerce Corporate Luncheon at Harrah ’ s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino .
HERALD BULLETIN FILE PHOTOS Christal Johnson takes a photo of , from left , Ann Givens , Maurice Richardson , Stacie Richardson and Rita Richardson at the Anderson Madison County Black Chamber of Commerce Corporate Luncheon .
opportunities for minorities in the county , as well as encouraging minority entrepreneurs to start their own businesses . “ They ’ re leading by example and letting folks know in the community that we ’ re here to help and support and grow your business any way we can ,” Whitson said . “ That aligns perfectly with our mission , and we want to work with them and collaborate in any way that we can .”