By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
One of the key missions of any business chamber is to serve as a connector and the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce did at a recent meeting designed to help launch a new initiative to serve minority business owners.
More than 20 members of the Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Business Leader Advisory Council discussed the needs of businesses and how those needs can be obstacles for BiPOC businesses owners. The discussion came to zoning ordinances and how difficult they can be to maneuver.
The discussion prompted Wyoming Mayor-Elect Kent Vanderwood to tell the group about the city’s need to fill several positions on its Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission.
“I would love to see those boards more diversified.” Vanderwood said and two of the members indicated they were interested in exploring those opportunities. Due to the response, Vanderwood said he would send an email with links to the the Chamber that could be forwarded to everyone.
Known for being “open for business,” Mayor Stephen Kepley recognized that zoning ordinances can be difficult for anyone to understand and that the city works with people to help them navigate the ordinances including have access to a translator service to help English-as-a-second language speakers.
In fact, the biggest takeaway WKCC President and CEO Keith Morgan said he got from the meeting was that the Chamber has to continue to be that connector.
Focusing on the needs of business
“I am pleasantly surprised at the level of influence and interest in a subject matter that can be easily overlooked in a large community,” Morgan said of the interest in developing the BIPOC Business Leader Advisory Council.
Morgan said his intention was to pull together a diverse group of individuals with varying backgrounds and businesses within in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood for the Council. His original idea was to have a small group meet at the chamber offices however the overwhelming response from invitees had him move the event to the WKTV Community Media Center, 5261 Clyde Park SW.
A partner with the chamber, WKTV General Manager Tom Norton stated the station was thrilled to share its space with the Chamber for the launch of this initiative.
The initial event focused on how the Chamber could better serve the BIPOC business community. Morgan called it the start of the conversation with advisory members helping to establish goals.
Discussions centered around what some of the needs the businesses hand which included such topics as the need for interpreters, workforce development, labor shortage, and the ability to take a business to the next level.
At the meeting, the BIPAC Business Leader Advisory Council identified six key goals:
Establishing a mentor program
Creating and distributing a vendor list
Providing best practices especially related to procurement
Establishment of an advisory council
Building connections
Providing educational information and resources
Morgan said the Council will continue to meet to work on goals that can be completed in the short term as well as in the future.
