AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - The Opelika Chamber of Commerce announced the formation of the brand-new Minority Business Council (MBC).
Founded in 1941, the Opelika Chamber has been serving the Opelika business community for more than 80years. Ali Rauch, president and CEO, works hard to fulfill the mission to build economic and member vitality through partnerships, programming, education, and community involvement, and this new council reflects those values.
The MBC was established in order to foster growth and networking for minority businesses through targeted programming and events, and to be a resource to minority business owners in our community.
"I am excited to see the chamber intentionally create an environment to help grow and support minority businesses within our community," says Nicholas Armistead, Chair of MBC and Co-Chair of the Opelika Chamber board.
The Opelika Chamber was delighted to see a community interest in efforts surrounding the needs and priorities of minority businesses in Alabama.
President & CEO, Ali Rauch, shared “we were very pleased to see interest and engagement in the formation of the MBC, and most importantly, to see the level of commitment to inclusivity among our membership. This council is committed to helping our chamber membership look more like our community, and I’m grateful to be a part of this impactful opportunity.”
Members of the Minority Business Council executive committee include:
- Nicholas Armistead, Keller Williams (Chair)
- Ayanna Thomas, Lee-Russell Council of Governments (Co-Chair)
- Jeffrey Harris, Harris Funeral Home
- Eric McDade, State Farm
- Tiffany Gibson-Pitts, Girls STEPS, Inc.
- Angel George, O Town Ice Cream
- Vic Patel, La Quinta Inn & Suites
- Nitda Louangkhoth, the grazer co.
- Ernie Rains, Rock 'N Roll Pinball
- Maritza Gamble, Hanwha
- Luis Saavedra, Boonie Hat Coffee Company
- JArthur Grubbs, CyberSecurity Solutions, LLC
- Altumura Rosencrantz, Insure With A Rose
- Kendra Nix, 5X Environmental
To sign up for future event announcements to support your local minority businesses, visit www.opelikachamber.com/communication.
If your business is interested in sponsoring future MBC initiatives, contact Mackenzie@opelikachamber.com.
Pictured:
Top - Ali Rauch, Luis Saavedra
Middle - Ayanna Thomas, Eric McDade
Bottom - Maritza Gamble, Nicholas Armistead, Nitda Louangkhoth
