2020 has presented a big list of challenges to all Americans, most especially African Americans. Since the small business is the lifeblood of any economy, we discuss how the black entrepreneur can tap into the amazing opportunities that have presented themselves during these turbulent times.

The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce’s Phil Andrews believes fundamentally in the economic empowerment of entrepreneurs across the country, with minimal government interference. His leadership and the integrity of the Chamber was tested throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Phil proudly shared that they were able to help small companies ride the wave of the pandemic thanks to their partnerships with the Small Business Administration and other private organizations. He also praises their ability to embrace digital resources while continuing to stay high touch. When asked what continues to be a challenge for the Chamber, Phil speaks about the need for greater representation across different business sectors and net worth so as to provide an atmosphere of mentorship and learning between business owners of all sizes.

Speaking further on COVID-19, Phil looks at the crisis as containing the seed of opportunity for small business owners. Every business, he says, lives in a cycle: There will be ups and there will be downs in varying degrees. He believes that the people who make up America are resilient enough to be able to bounce back even from such an unprecedented global crisis; but the ones who end up thriving are those entrepreneurs who are proactive, adaptive, and innovative in the midst of seemingly endless uncertainty. After all, 2020 is just another chapter in your business’s story.

Memorable Moments:

●    How the LIAACC plans to increase its membership in 2021

●    How the Chamber is helping to rebuild black-owned businesses in New York

●    LIAACC top priorities for the Chamber

●    Why small business owners should be a part of the Chamber of Commerce

●    Chamber of Commerce benefits which members do not utilize enough

●    Creating more black-owned businesses and putting more African Americans in top executive positions

●    The importance of increasing the quality of professionalism and service of black-owned businesses

●    How the Chamber will move forward amid the current climate

Guest Profile:

Phil Andrews is the President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and the Past President of the 100 Black Men of Long Island, Inc. He is the Founder of P.A. Public Relations Co.; Phil serves as Public Relations Director. Prior to beginning his career in Public Relations, Phil was the Vice President of the Haircut Hut franchise. He currently holds a leadership position in the Black Public Relations Society-New York, Inc. which is New York’s Premier organization for Image Makers and Strategists in Public Relations.

Phil has received many proclamations from notable political officials including former Nassau County Executive Thomas S. Gullotta, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Assembly-woman Earlene Hooper Hill, 18th Assembly District of New York. In 2010, Phil was honored for 50 or So Around 50 by Long Island Business News. In 2011, Phil was honored by the Korean American Association of Greater New York (KAAGNY) with the “Good Neighbor Award”. Phil's work has been featured in multi-platform publications including Black Star News, The New York Beacon, Amsterdam News, Minority Business Review, The Network Journal and more.   He’s also featured in “15 Years of Minority Business Development” a book published by...