April 2026

Issue No. 1

NEWSLETTER

A Message From The CEO.

By Mark Yates  

As we close out a phenomenal third quarter and approach our fiscal year-end, I am filled with immense pride in the progress we have made together. Despite the complexities of the world around us, the Black Chamber of Memphis (BCoM) remains a steadfast anchor for our business community.  

We are currently in the final stages of a comprehensive Strategic Planning process. This roadmap will ensure that our initiatives remain high-impact, sustainable, and directly aligned with your needs. Furthermore, the excitement is building for our upcoming Annual BCoM Symposium, where we will gather to share knowledge and foster the connections that drive our local economy.

Now more than ever, we need you to lean in closer. Whether you are a long-standing member, a prospective entrepreneur, or a corporate partner, your engagement is our greatest asset. Our impact is amplified when we move as one. 

I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and working alongside you to finish this year strong.

MemphisTEN is the Black Chamber of Memphis’ bold strategy to create 8,000 jobs by 2030 by empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs. More than just a program, MemphisTEN is a focused effort to break down barriers, strengthen local businesses, and drive sustainable economic growth from within our community.

The need is clear: Memphis is home to over 50,000 underrepresented businesses, yet only about 1,000 have employees. MemphisTEN aims to change that by helping 4,000 solopreneurs make their first hire—growing the number of employer firms to 5,000 and increasing representation from 2% to 10%.

Through targeted initiatives like Back Office Support Services (BOSS), Procurement Support, Acquisition Programs, and Membership Support, MemphisTEN provides the tools, resources, and connections businesses need to scale. These efforts position BCOM as a true engine for economic development, delivering measurable impact in job creation and business growth.

Now is the time to act. By investing in MemphisTEN, you help local businesses hire, access procurement opportunities, and sustain jobs through ownership transitions. Join the movement and be part of building a stronger, more inclusive Memphis economy. 

The BCoM Black Business Directory is a curated platform designed to showcase and promote Black-owned businesses across Memphis. It helps increase visibility by providing a centralized space where customers, partners, and organizations can easily discover and support these businesses.

More than just a listing, the directory connects businesses to opportunities, resources, and networks that drive growth. It plays a key role in strengthening the local economy by making it easier to engage, collaborate, and invest in Black-owned enterprises

Yet to join? Signup and get listed TODAY!

Anthony Chalmers

Chalmers & Poole PC

Website

Stuart Lott

Backbone Technologies, Inc.

Website

Danielle McGee Gibson

Boomin University

Website

Shawn Miller  

SShoney’s Electronic Repairs

Website

Calvin Morrow

Dawg Team Apparel, USA

Website

Deener Newberry

PlanNet Markerting

 Website

Wayne Smith

Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association

Website

WELCOME TO THE INFO HUB

The Info Hub is a member center that enables you to access key information and actively engage with your organization and each other.

Access everything you need in one place with the Info Hub. Connect with fellow members, explore and register for events, update your profile, manage billings,  join committees, and more.

Stay engaged, grow your network, and take full advantage of your membership.

👉Access your Info Hub— create your account, reset your password, or log in to connect

PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Remoting.work

The Most Secure Way to Hire Globally 

remoting.work, a proud partner of the Black Chamber of Memphis, understands that growth is exciting—but it also brings new demands. As business leaders, focusing on what we can control—our team, systems, and budget—helps us stay resilient even when external factors shift.

You don’t have to carry the load alone. Hiring skilled professionals can help you scale efficiently while staying focused on what matters most.

Get started today at go.remoting.work/BCoM and take your business to the next level.

Q3 QUARTERLY NETWORKING MIXER

The Q3 Black Chamber of Memphis (BCOM) Quarterly Networking Mixer was a vibrant and inspiring evening centered on meaningful connections and community impact.

Attendees expressed strong appreciation for the seamless event, with special recognition given to the Black Ledger honorees, A Tour of Possibilities and Kudzukian, for their continued contributions.

A standout moment was CEO Mark Yates’ heartfelt message on the power of community and global brotherhood, encouraging everyone to value connection and shared growth.

The evening reinforced that these mixers are more than networking—they are celebrations of unity and purpose. Join us for the next mixer in June as we continue to connect and grow together.

The Black Chamber of Memphis (BCoM) has launched The Black Ledger to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by highlighting Black-led institutions that drive economic growth, job creation, and opportunity in Memphis. It underscores that economic equity is shaped by strong systems, not chance.

The initiative spotlights institutions that build trust, reduce barriers, and expand access for Black businesses. Through efforts like Memphis TEN, BCoM reinforces the need for continued investment, accountability, and sustainable pathways to economic advancement.

Here are a few Black-owned businesses we are celebrating in this newsletter:

Get ready for another exciting lineup of events designed to connect, educate, and elevate your business:

📅 remoting.work Be Staffed for Growth Webinar – April 15, 2026. Register HERE

📅 New Member Orientation – May 8, 2026

📅 Sucession Solutions: Access to capital and funding for Small businesses. May 20, 2026

📅 New Member Orientation – June 5, 2026

📅 Quarterly Networking Mixer – June 19, 2026

📅 New Member Orientation – July 10, 2026

📅 New Member Orientation – August 7, 2026

📅 Annual Symposium  –  August 27 - 28, 2026 (Details Coming Soon!)

Stay engaged, stay connected—we look forward to seeing you there!

As a BCoM member, you gain access to:

Exclusive Networking Opportunities – Connect with industry leaders, potential clients, and business mentors.

Business Development Programs – Learn from experts on funding, marketing, and scaling your business.

Member Spotlights & Promotions – Gain visibility through BCoM’s newsletters, social platforms, and events.

Advocacy & Representation – BCoM champions policies and initiatives that support Black-owned businesses in Memphis.

Renew or upgrade your membership today to unlock even more benefits and be part of our mission to empower entrepreneurs in Memphis. For more information, contact our membership manager at memberservices@bbamemphis.com.