San Bernardino MLK Jr Parade Program

November 2019
Southern California Black Chambers of Commerce

The Official Newsletter for the Black Chambers of Commerce

The Competitive Edge News

Continuing The Dream…
2020

San Bernardino MLK JR. Parade & Extravaganza

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A Few Words
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Left with us.
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the
darkness of destructive selfishness.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do
right.”
“There is nothing more tragic than to find an individual bogged down in the length of
life, devoid of breadth.”
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his
individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.
Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
“The past is prophetic in that it asserts loudly that wars are poor chisels for carving
out peaceful tomorrows”

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John Valdivia was elected by the San
Bernardino residents and installed on
December 19, 2018 as the City’s
29th Mayor. He was originally elected
to represent the City’s third ward with
nearly 70% of the total vote. During
his tenure, Mayor Valdivia committed
himself to neighborhood values, vol-
unteering, and promoting civic pride
for San Bernardino.
Mayor Valdivia grew up in San Ber-
nardino, attending City schools from k
-12, and has been a proud resident
since returning from college in the mid-west.
Mayor Valdivia can best be described as passionate, energetic, and con-
scientious of the issues plaguing San Bernardino residents and the local
public policy. He often reminds himself of the credo, "If not ME, then
WHO? If not NOW, then WHEN?" He abides by that conviction as he
prepares for meetings, town hall presentations, and community advocacy
on issues that will improve the quality of life for citizens in San Bernardi-
no.
As San Bernardino Mayor, he commits to dedicating the resources and
personnel necessary to tackle crime and to support the businesses of the
City. He will continue to exercise good neighbor values and continue to
consider the impact of policy on the local taxpayer and business.
Mayor Valdivia pursued undergradu-
ate studies from Evangel University
(Springfield, Missouri), and graduate
studies from Fuller Seminary
(Pasadena, CA), and Azusa Pacific
University (Azusa, CA). He is the
proud husband to his wife, Bethany,
and father to their two children.

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YouthBuild Inland Empire offers stu-
dents between the ages of 16-24 the
opportunity to receive their High
School Diploma through YouthBuild
Charter School of California (YCSC).
YouthBuild Charter School of Califor-
nia offers young adults a full-time
High School experience. YCSC uses
project-based curriculum, which of-
fers a fresh and realistic approach to
engaging our students in their educa-
tion and future careers.

YouthBuild encourages their
young adults to identify, confront, and
overcome the barriers in their lives. We do this with enormous energy, crea-
tivity and imagination; all of which are beneficial to our communities. For
whatever reason students lost focus at their previous school, we look past
that and offer them a "second chance." We are not here to judge, but only to
encourage and work with students to see their progress as they successfully
achieve their High School Diploma. In preparing our students to achieve
their High School Diploma, we will prepare them for the Real World, includ-
ing Business, Entrepreneurship and Post-Secondary Education. With a vari-
ety of other schools to choose from, we're sure you'll be happy working with
us.
OUR M ISSION Our mission is to provide the necessary tools to edu-
cate, train, and employ the under privileged, at risk youth, and young adults.
We serve the low to moderate income people of our community. Our goal is
to encourage businesses in our community to employ our students that are
trained in our program.
YBIE's vision is to be a model in our community, offering educational pro-
grams that are broad, yet challenging, and that can empower students from
diverse backgrounds. We work towards building a future where our youth
are equipped with the skills and knowledge to be respectful and responsible
citizens, who care not only for themselves, but also for their families and
their communities.

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Order Your Copy of 7
Keys to Success

My mission is to impact, em-
power and develop success in
people, businesses, organiza-
tions and communities.
I live by this philosophy :
"Alone we can do so little; to-
gether we can do so
much." ~Helen Keller
Becoming is what our walk is
all about. We should always be
striving to grow, change, devel-
op, evolve and help the next
person do the same. The real
journey in life is to face the
adversities that are sure to
come and continue to move for-
ward anyway. It’s a fact that life’s issues, stresses, disappoint-
ments, ups, downs and every other situation in between will
come. In those times, we will be faced with the decision to stay
where we are or push through . The choice we make will define
who we are and how we deal with life. Don’t just let yourself
Be...Choose to Become...

7 Keys to Success
1. Start Now
2. Use What You Have
3. Control What You Know
4. Complete What You start
5. Execute Your Plan
6. Share Your Success
7. Stand For Something

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THE COMPETITIVE EDGE

PUBLISHER
Richard Wallace

EDITOR
Nikisha Bond
KeJohnna Owens
PRODUCTION
Anya Douglas

Southern California Black Chambers of Commerce

President
Richard Wallace
Ambassadors to the Chamber
Roscoe Lee Owens,
Sherrie Curry
Danita Hamilton
Catherine Francis

Willie Ellis
Linda Lewis
Vice President of Membership
InformatiAonlicOiafGficaeyrle/sSecretary
La Trici Thomas
Director of Media
Nikisha Bond
KEJOHNNA OWENS
San Gabriel Valley BCC
Maurice Autrey

APazsuasdaena, Monrovia, Duarte, El Monte, Arcadia, Glendora, Covina, West Covina,

Inland Cities BCC
Eric Johnson

Fontana, Colton, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino

Inland Cities East BCC

Rialto, Highland, San Bernardino, Redlands, Loma Linda, Beaumont, Big Bear, Arrowhead

Moreno Valley BCC
KeJohnna Owens

Pomona Valley BCC
Roscoe Lee Owens

Pomona, Diamond Bar, Montclair, Chino, Upland, San Dimas, La Verne

Riverside City BCC
Dee Goins

Corona, Norco, Jurupa Valley, Mead Valley, Good Hope,

Palm Spring BCC
Julia Moody

Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, LaQuinta, Indio

Hollywood BCC
Linda Lewis

Hollywood, North Hollywood, Culver City, Inglewood, Baldwin Hills

Inland Valley BCC
Nikisha Bond

Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Murrieta, Perris, Menifee, Canyon Lake

High Desert BCC
Tamara Thomas

Barstow BCC

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About the Black Chamber Mission

The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce (SCBCC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) business
organization dedicated to improving the economic environment for the minority business
community, and fostering business development and prosperity. The SCBCC focuses its efforts on
four major areas:
 Economic Development
 Community Development
 Public Policy and
 Membership Services
The SCBCC invests financial and other resources to implement relevant programs for members and
which affect the orderly growth and development of the community. It is the catalytic agency that
brings together all of the forces, public and private, through which common goals can be
resolved. The fundamental mission of the SCBCC is to create and promote a climate where
minority businesses can operate in a productive and profitable manner. The SCBCC has served
member businesses since 1993, and their enabling them to prosper through mutual cooperation
and support.

Financial Strength and Stability

As in any business a sound financial base is essential for a chamber of commerce to perform its
mission. A portion of the SCBCC’s finances are received on a voluntary basis from chamber mem-
bership, through an annual dues investment. The amount a member pays to the chamber may be
based on a fee formula, business classification, special negotiation or averaging. Increasingly over
the last 10 years, dues make up a smaller percentage of chamber budgets, with the average being
about 50 percent. The
remaining portion of the budget is dependent upon income received through the sales of
publications, charges for services, special projects and foundations. A well developed product and
services program is the current trend for successful chambers of today.

Structure

The SCBCC is governed by Officers and a Board of Directors. The President of the Board
appoints
Committee Chairs to meet the needs of the Chamber. The staff is headed by the Executive
Director.

Programs

The SCBCC’s primary programs are created to provide the maximum benefit to business owners and
professionals in Southern California. These programs include:
 Contacts to Contracts – The SCBCC actively engages in facilitating government and corporate
contracts for minority businesses.
 Business Development and Training – Minority business owners, operators and their staff are
provided a range of workshops, one-on-one training, peer mentoring, resources and referrals.
 (Networking and Professional Development – The SCBCC provides local and regional
networking for all who wish to participate. Monthly mixers, local business conferences, seminars
and workshops are provided for the purpose of unifying and connecting minority businesses with
the resources, contacts and training needed to grow their businesses.

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OF JESUS CHIRST IN SONG Covenant meaning
The definition of a cove-
nant is an agreement be-
tween members to do a
specific
thing.
“N COVENANT” HAS
MADE A COVENANT TO
PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL

N COVENANT is a gospel singing group, with a sound and
style of contemporary and urban flavor. The
group was formed by Juan K. Tyus in 2003, who is a well
know musician and music producer. Juan is also
the owner and operator of T-Sounds Studios located in
Pasadena and Fontana California.
N COVENANT is composed of singers, Jennifer Hamilton,
Michelle Clyburn, Shun Griffin, Dolores and
Juan Tyus, who all grew up singing in gospel choirs. Over
the years N Covenant has had the opportunity to minister
the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout Southern California,
while offering up highly artistic arrangements that has cap-
tured the hearts of every listener.

N COVENANT gives all the Praise to the LORD JESUS
CHRIST for every opportunity to minister the gospel.

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EVERYDAY SAVINGS FOR EVERYDAY THINGS!
FREE WITH CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

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pons, Dis- counts, and Savings.

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Incumbent Councilman Rikki Van
Johnson is retiring and I am seeking
your support to represent the 6th Ward
as our new Representative on the City
Council.
For too long, city leaders have ignored
the West Side. We need a fresh voice
on the City Council to ensure that our
neighborhoods receive the attention
and resources our communities de-
serve. As a lifelong West Side resident, I am dedicated to serving
the needs of our local community because I was born there,
raised there and built my career there.
My campaign is about rebuilding our city’s future and restoring the
community’s voice in Ward 6.
As your Councilmember, I will provide leadership that’s focused
on bringing businesses, jobs and community services to the West
Side. My background at America’s Jobs Center will also help bring
more resources and more partnerships to benefit the people of
San Bernardino.
Your concerns are very important to me. If you have questions or
concerns, please contact me at 909-206-4555 or via email
at [email protected].
I would be honored to earn your vote and be your voice on the
City Council.
Sincerely,

Bessine Littlefield Richard
For 6th Ward City Council

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The SCBCC: CLARITY OF VISION

Most successful people are driven by
an over-riding purpose. Superstars
take it one step farther and develop a
vision for future growth. This vision
helps guide the day-to-day activities
and strategic decision-making neces-
sary to achieve success. Before decid-
ing what steps are necessary to move
toward your goals, you must be very clear about your desires for
yourself and your career or business.
Excellence is a learned behavior, a skill set, Your Vision defines
your desired future. Do you have a strong Vision that provides
focus and the momentum to take you to where you want to be? Is
it in line with what you are doing? If you do have an aligned Vision,
do you think it stops there? It shouldn’t. Given today’s dynamic
business environment, it is most important to be continually gener-
ating new refinements of your Vision. For sustained success it is
critical to redefine your Vision, be flexible enough to go in new
directions, and sustain focus with new goals and objectives that
motivate you.
Founder/President
Mr. Rich Wallace

JOIN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BLACK
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TODAY!

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