October 2026

                              Q4 Iss No. 7

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Dear Members, Partners and Friends,

As we enter the final quarter of 2026, I'm encouraged by the progress we're making at the Black Chamber of Memphis and mindful of the important economic decisions facing our community.

Our recent Building Wealth in Our Community Symposium, centered on Building Entrepreneur City: Access. Investment. Mobility., brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders and community partners to explore opportunities for business growth. The conversations and connections were meaningful, and our responsibility now is to build on that momentum.

We've also made significant progress within the Chamber. Since March, our paid membership has more than doubled, growing from 37 to 80 members. We've completed our strategic plan, are introducing a new membership structure and launched the Chairman's Leadership Collaborative at our September Chairman's Reception. Each milestone reflects our commitment to organizational stability, stronger member engagement and sustainable growth.

Beyond the Chamber, several issues deserve our attention, particularly the condition of our local tax base. The recent State of the County Tax Base report raises concerns about commercial vacancies and revenue growth. From my years in banking and business, I know that sound financial management requires us to examine both revenue and expenditures. Without a strong tax base, our ability to fund essential services, improve infrastructure and invest in economic development becomes increasingly difficult.

Housing and data center development present additional challenges and opportunities. As Memphis works to expand housing and evaluates future data center investments, including the mayor's 90-day regulatory review and proposed moratorium, we must consider infrastructure demands, neighborhood impacts, public resources and opportunities for local businesses. Responsible growth requires thoughtful planning, transparency and meaningful community engagement.

Leadership matters in addressing these issues. Our September 901 United reception recognized a new chapter in county leadership, and the upcoming November midterm elections will determine state and federal leaders whose decisions will directly affect our local economy. BCoM remains nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates, but we strongly encourage informed participation in the electoral process. Regardless of political affiliation, we all have a stake in Memphis' future.

As we close out the year, I encourage you to stay engaged, exercise your right to vote and share your perspective on the issues affecting your business and our community. Your input will help inform where and how BCoM advocates, convenes and creates opportunities.

Thank you for your continued membership and support. We've made meaningful progress this year, and there's important work ahead.

Sincerely,

Mark Yates

Chairman, Interim President & CEO  

Black Chamber of Memphis

MEET OUR NEW / RENEWING MEMBERS

Ellis Rankin 

Doc Ellis Agency 

Website

Robyn Noble Powell 

Just Bee Helpin' 

Website

Rhonnie Brewer  

Progeny Place 

Website

.

Ron Redwing 

The Redwing Group 

Website

Tarek DeLavallade 

Fent Inc. 

Website

Tray Lunn 

Nole & Sons Construction 

Website

.

Thomas Ashley 

Ashley Thomas Consulting   

Website

Pastor Tim Bowers 

True Fellowship Ministries 

Website

Look What We Built Together

What a powerful day for Memphis and the Mid-South business community! Thank you to every attendee, speaker, sponsor, partner, and volunteer who made the 2026 Building Wealth in Our Community Symposium a success.

Together, we brought our theme to life: Building Entrepreneur City: Access. Investment. Mobility. From exploring pathways to capital and procurement to building meaningful relationships, the day highlighted opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow, compete, and scale.

Beyond the sessions, the introductions, shared ideas, and new connections reminded us of what’s possible when our business community comes together.

Thank you for being part of it. Together, we’re building a stronger future for Memphis businesses!

At the 2026 Building Wealth in Our Community Symposium, the Black Chamber of Memphis introduced the Steve Cohen Community Champion — For Those Moving Opportunity Forward, recognizing leaders who expand access, investment, and economic opportunity across Memphis. Congressman Steve Cohen was named the inaugural recipient and namesake of the recognition.

The honor reflects BCoM’s commitment to celebrating leaders who connect resources, remove barriers, and create pathways for businesses and communities to thrive—aligning with this year’s Symposium theme: Building Entrepreneur City: Access. Investment. Mobility.

Congressman Cohen’s contributions include a $750,000 SBA grant supporting BCoM’s ReStart Initiative, which also provided seed funding for the Symposium from 2023 to 2025 and supported Succession Solutions, an initiative helping preserve viable Memphis businesses by addressing ownership transitions and succession challenges.

He has also connected local entrepreneurs to federal contracting opportunities through procurement fairs and advocated for investments benefiting Memphis institutions, neighborhoods, and infrastructure, including Historic Melrose, Foote Homes, Clayborn Temple, Mason Temple, and the new I-55 Mississippi River bridge project.

During the Symposium tribute, Memphis Mayor Paul Young joined BCoM in recognizing Congressman Cohen’s decades of service and his role in connecting federal resources to local needs.

The Steve Cohen Community Champion will continue to recognize leaders whose advocacy, partnerships, and investments create meaningful opportunities for businesses and communities.

Because moving opportunity forward is how we move Memphis forward.

October 2, 2026 | Reign Event Venue

At the 2026 Building Wealth in Our Community Symposium, Memphis Mayor Paul Young emphasized that entrepreneurship is essential to the city’s economic future, calling for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to help local businesses grow.

Building on the theme, Building Entrepreneur City: Access. Investment. Mobility., Mayor Young highlighted the need to connect entrepreneurs with capital, customers, contracts, technical assistance, and relationships to help businesses launch, scale, create jobs, and build generational wealth. He connected BCoM’s work to the City of Memphis and EDGE’s Entrepreneurship City initiative, emphasizing investment in local businesses alongside efforts to attract new companies.

He stressed that the City, EDGE, BCoM, corporations, financial institutions, investors, universities, and nonprofits all have a role in removing barriers and expanding opportunities for Memphis entrepreneurs. His vision: a Memphis where more people can “start something, grow something, own something, and build wealth that lasts for generations.”

The program also featured a tribute to Congressman Steve Cohen, recognizing his decades of public service and contributions to Memphis, including investments connected to Historic Melrose, Foote Homes, Clayborn Temple, Mason Temple, and the I-55 Mississippi River bridge project.

Mayor Young’s remarks reinforced the Symposium’s central message: building a thriving entrepreneurial city requires collaboration, strategic investment, and leaders committed to expanding access and opportunity for Memphis businesses and communities.

Building Connections, Shaping BCoM’s Future

On September 24, the Black Chamber of Memphis hosted an intimate Chairman’s Reception at Privado 14, bringing together approximately 60 business owners and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and vision-setting.

The gathering provided an opportunity to engage directly with Chamber leadership, discuss the needs of Memphis’ business community, and introduce the Chairman’s Leadership Collaborative—an invitation-only cohort focused on mentorship, shared knowledge, and strengthening BCoM’s impact.

Attendees also shared feedback to help shape future Chamber programming, member benefits, and partnerships. The reception set the stage for the 4th Annual Building Wealth in Our Community Symposium: Building Entrepreneur City — Access. Investment. Mobility., reinforcing BCoM’s commitment to connecting entrepreneurs with resources, relationships, and growth opportunities.

Help Shape What’s Next! Take our 60-second survey to share your business needs and priorities and help inform future BCoM offerings. Complete the Survey Here.

The Momentum Doesn’t Stop Here!

Stay connected. Stay engaged. Keep growing. Join the Black Chamber of Memphis in turning these conversations into meaningful opportunities for our business community. Get involved, explore upcoming programs, and connect with resources designed to help your business thrive.

Connect with BCoM and take your next step toward growth!