WELCOME
Chartered in 1984, by the Texas Secretary of State, the mission of the Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin (BCCPB) is to foster the development and growth of Black owned and small/minority businesses; and to encourage convention and tourism especially in the black community. Located in the City of Odessa County of Ector County., the BCCPB's organizational charter encompasses the seventeen-county Permian Basin region. BCCPB is grounded in the philosophy that: small and minority businesses are a source of economic strength and diversification; that the entire region benefits from the attraction of new commerce; and the retention and expansion of existing business and industry is most important. A non-profit organization as defined by Internal Revenue Code 501c6, the BCCPB is committed to conducting business in accordance with the highest ethical standards, accountability and efficiency. Since 1984, the Board of Directors, comprised of an eight-member Executive Council has administered the Black Chamber's objectives. Since its inception, the Chamber has relied exclusively on membership fees, special fundraising events and corporate gifts to fund its mission. Membership in the chamber is open to any person, organization or business interested in promoting the civic, commercial and industrial development of the region, especially for African American business. Previous efforts to foster economic independence and diversity locally include the Chamber's involvement in the creation of the Odessa Enterprise Zone and the Small Business Loan Program. BCCPB is actively involved in promoting economic empowerment and diversification through the National Black Chamber of Commerce and is a charter member of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce and a current member also of the National Black Chamber. The Chamber also enjoys ties with the Greater Odessa Chamber of Commerce, the Odessa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin Small Business Development Center and other area Chambers of Commerce. Although the Black Chamber has worked diligently to enhance the local economy, the breadth of its economic development activities is not restricted to any area within the City of Odessa. In recent years, the needs of the African American community have evolved beyond what an all-volunteer Board of Directors can hope to achieve without a full-time administrator. In support of the Black Chamber's mission, the Board of Directors has developed a plan that will broaden its involvement in the economic diversification of Odessa. The Economic Development Plan supports increased collaboration between the Black Chamber, local and state agencies, nurtures the creation, expansion and retention of small, minority and home based businesses, promotes development and markets Odessa as an attractive place to visit, work and live.