TESTIMONIALS

Dropping a note to express my appreciation for your help with renewing my MBE status is an expedited manner.  None of this would have been possible without your help.  Many thanks!

I want to thank you for your consistent support and advocacy for small businesses such as mine. A couple of months ago, I went to you about some challenges I was facing regarding the refinancing of some of my commercial real estate properties. To no surprise of mine, you immediately went to work and began looking for an equitable solution. I want you to know that after almost eight months of underwriting, appraisal issues, and anything else you can think of, Columbia Bank has finally closed on the refinancing of my commercial properties.

Oftentimes we think small businesses in America have equal access but I am here to tell you that is not the case. Access is not equal and resources are definitely on the margins when it comes to how we grow our businesses. I want to thank you for all the hard work you do for entrepreneurs such as myself. 

Adenah

The AACCNJ is a wonderful chamber organization that brings tremendous value and support to their members. 

We recently attended their 11th annual Business Leadership conference. The AACCNJ team went above and beyond! The content was relevant, and the insights were refreshingly honest and informative. 

I really appreciated how engaging and helpful everyone was. AACCNJ and the fellow members took the time to connect and learn about who we were.

AACCNJ continues to support their members with a thoughtful approach and helpful resources. They propel us to new opportunities and connect us with the right partners. 

-Dan Krause, Director of Business Development for Hopeworks   

​East West Connection (EWC) is a proud member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ).  The organization plays a vital and important role in creating opportunities for African American owned businesses like EWC.  From my first meeting with Mr. John Harmon three years ago, I was impressed with his vision and commitment to Black Businesses.  His first question to me during our initial meeting was “how can I help you grow your company?”  At that time, No one had ever asked me this question in my 30 years of being in business. Not only did John offer advice, he provided a strategic plan to help me accomplish my goals for EWC.   We identified companies that I wanted to pursue. From introductions to key corporate members to business leads, John and the talented staff at AACNJ did this and more for EWC.

While attending my first AACCNJ workshop, John introduced me to someone who was looking for suppliers to organize a major conference, which led to EWC being asked to compete in a competitive bid.  I am proud to say we won the bid.  It should be noted that EWC would have never learned of this opportunity had it not been for John Harmon. 

I’m committed to do all I can to support the AACCNJ because I have seen first-hand the professionalism, commitment and hard work John and his team does every day to support African American businesses.  AACCNJ is truly making a difference by changing minds of business leaders and government officials about the African American talent available in New Jersey that is ready to accomplish great things if given the opportunity.

Best regards,

​Ralph

I am summarizing the growth of NF Insulation, LLC and came to the point of 2020 and the Coronaviruous Pandemic Period (My term) and realized how much of an impact you all had on me as an individual and the CEO of NF Insulation. Thank you just does not seem to be enough for the sharing and caring that you provided. I look forward to us doing business together soon.

Best Regards

Edna Rashid, CEO, NF Insulation, LLC

My name is Nadine Brown. I am the owner of N&R Divine Cleaning Services LLC. I have been a member of the AACCNJ since October 2020. I am truly thankful to Mr. John Harmon and the staff at the chamber for the different opportunities they have provided for me in order to scale my business to the next level. I am currently a participant in the bond readiness class which is preparing me to get bonded and the PSEG small business certification training program. The chamber has also referred me to other businesses.

I absolutely believe the AACCNJ is a great networking source and I am so excited to be a member.

I want to say a special thank you to Mary Griffin and Nicole Baptiste for doing such a great job.

Nadine Brown,  N&R Divine Cleaning Services LLC

The African American Chamber of Commerce (AACCNJ) is a powerful anchor for Black people, Latino and Hispanic people, people of color, businessowners, professionals, executives, leaders, corporations, and non-profit organizations in the State of New Jersey.

John E. Harmon is the leader of the AACCNJ, and he appeals daily to the business community to reach out and tie their boats to this securely anchored organization. John and his staff do the heavy lifting – making the connections with the leaders who can help us grow our individual businesses and providing the educational forums to give us the information we need to become more knowledgeable about the events and opportunities that may be available to us. 

When I joined the Chamber, I was amazed at the huge amount of resources the organization made available to its members, including educational webinars, economic summits, direct access to the President through monthly calls, networking mixers with fellow Chamber members, and radio and tv programs, to name a few. I used the seminars and webinars to educate myself and supplement my knowledge of the economic and social issues facing Black business owners, the State of NJ, and the nation.

Within six months of joining, I was given the opportunity to become a regular guest host for the Chamber’s weekly radio program, The Empowerment Hour, and the opportunity to interview the President on the Chamber’s television program, Pathway to Success on the PBS channel. This provided me a state-wide and global platform on which to market my wealth management team and the services we offer. 

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Additionally, because of the Chamber, I have become a member of a Board of Trustees of a high-profile non-profit organization. As a Trustee, I will interact on a regular basis with some of the most influential business leaders, wealthy individuals, philanthropists, and thought leaders in the state. I do not believe it is an assignment I could have gained on my own; it became possible because of my partnership with the African American Chamber of Commerce.

My recommendation to you – partner with the Chamber. Tie your boat to one of the most securely anchored organizations that is unapologetically committed to the advancement and economic empowerment of Black people and people of color and carve out the unique ways the Chamber can help you elevate your business, practice, or organization.

- Deborah Frazier

“For several years now the African-American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey has been extremely instrumental in the growth of our company. In addition to the networking, consistent events, and positive attitude that the organization consistently promotes, the chamber has been a useful resource in securing additional business and maintaining essential relationships within a variety of industries. The leadership as well as staff is extremely professional and is always welcoming when communicating. I look forward to many more fruitful and enjoyable experience with the chamber.”

- L.Greg Smith, B.E.S.T. Talent Management Strategies, LLC.

What the Chamber has Done for Me... 

After a 25-year career as a corporate and banking attorney for large organizations, I started my own full service small law firm 3 years ago and joined several chambers, hoping to get business referrals. The AACCNJ is the only chamber that refers business to me. Even though I am an expert in various areas of law, as a new small firm I need to rely on business referrals. The Chamber has become a fantastic source for business, frequently referring knowledgeable business leaders who are serious about growing their business and maintaining a first-class reputation. Without the Chamber, my law firm might not have survived the pandemic, and I would not have been able to help dozens of other African American small businesses that needed help with legal impediments preventing growth. I have also benefitted from the variety of networking programs and workshops on relevant topics. The Chamber is the only chamber that truly helps African American Small Businesses to grow and does a great job matching business needs with appropriate business services when members seek help. 

- H. Robert Tillman, Esq.

“The AACCNJ has been very instrumental in not only bolstering my confidence as a business owner but also helping me to establish a solid foundation for my business. They’ve looked out for my interest from day one and continue to do so. The connections I’ve established through the AACCNJ in a matter of months would have taken me years to accomplish on my own. I’ve very grateful and look forward to many more years partnering with them. “

-Melissa Blair

The AACCNJ has been a great partner and advocate for Cyber Security Consulting Ops. It is easy to talk to any one of the staff and ask them to reach out to a company or an organization on our behalf. I find AACCNJ to be a great bridge between our company and potential clients. If you are in business and are serious about finding an advocate or partnership from other members that are in the same line of work then you should consider becoming a member of AACCNJ.

- Tony Wittock

As a member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey this great organization; I appreciate everything AACCNJ has done and is doing for all its members.

AACCNJ President and the Team is very dedicated to ensure all the members and more importantly minority businesses like mine are treated fairly and I couldn't be more proud.

I am happy and proud I am a member of this great organization.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you and our great AACCNJ team.

STAY SAFE AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

- Brigitte F Nzali

"SBR Realty is extremely excited and very happy with its decision to join the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. SBR Realty joined AACCNJ in October of 2010, and have since attended several networking events that connected us with a couple hundred professionals from various parts of New Jersey. As a result of these networking events, we have found at least 10 solid professionals with whom we are working to build successful business relationships.

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey has been a very good resource for locating various service providers and vendors, as well as providing great ideas and methods on expanding our business. We have learned some tactics on how to go after our market share within the communities we service.

SBR Realty believes being a part of the AACCNJ will definitely help us expand our knowledge of business as well as extend our operation into additional communities.

The cost of being a member of this organization cannot compare to the benefits."

- Shelly Bryant