The Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce (PBBCC) recently hosted more than 100 participants from the annual Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation’s (LISC) Seminar.
As part of a bus tour showcasing the Arkansas Delta, this stop highlighted Pine Bluff’s culture, history “and the PBBCC’s commitment to economic empowerment,” according to a news release. LISC is a nonprofit corporation that supports community development.
Rural LISC’s multi-day seminar brought together economic development leaders and stakeholders to explore rural challenges, opportunities and emerging trends. The tour offered firsthand insight into communities like Pine Bluff, “where real progress is rooted in authentic community engagement,” according to the release.
The PBBCC introduced participants to its mission of fostering competitive, scalable Black-owned businesses. Participants explored and learned about locally owned products crafted by PBBCC members, “highlighting the innovation, resilience and entrepreneurial excellence that define Pine Bluff’s identity and potential,” the chamber stated.
“This visit was about redefining how Pine Bluff is seen,” said Joni Alexander-Robinson, president and CEO of the PBBCC. “We showcased the spirit of our community — one of innovation and untapped potential — while building partnerships for sustainable progress.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
This collaboration “highlights the PBBCC’s role as a catalyst for meaningful change and its dedication to economic equity in Pine Bluff and beyond,” the chamber stated.
The Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce officially launched in July 2024 and has 60 members, “a milestone we’re incredibly proud of,” Alexander-Robinson said. “Among our corporate members are prestigious organizations such as the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, People’s Trust CDFI, ReMix Ideas, US Bank, the Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative and the Women’s Foundation of the South. Their support reflects the strength of our mission to serve as an advocate for the creation and growth of competitive, profitable, scalable and sustainable Black-owned entities.”
For more information, visit www.PBBCC.org or contact us atemail info@PBBCC.org.