One of the markers of a strong business community is the richness of its variety.  How many goods and services are offered in the market?  Are the interests of large businesses balanced with the needs of small businesses?  What blend of industry clusters are present?  Which businesses compete in each industry sector?  Is there an abundance of available jobs at different skill levels?
 
All of these questions are important as the Chamber considers how to best promote Wilson as a premier destination for business, and they ultimately help to define our community’s identity. 
 
Another dimension of this identity is the lived experiences of those who lead our business community.
 
August is nationally observed as Black Business Month, and Wilson is proud to call a number of Black-owned and operated businesses as members of the Chamber.  Over the course of our history, the experiences of those business leaders have had an immense impact on our culture and heritage, and have helped to steer policy that guides Wilson’s future.  
 
As we reflect on how Black businesses are helping to shape our market, this represents a good opportunity to support those businesses as consumers.  Likewise, recall that the Chamber’s mission to “build a market where businesses prosper” has no qualifier:  it is our job make sure conditions exist where ALL businesses have a chance to succeed in Wilson.
 
No other organization has that calling, and no other can fulfill that purpose.  If you believe in a strong market that celebrates the diversity of its members, consider joining the Chamber or contributing to our March to 250 campaign.