History and Mission
The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida serves our community as a conduit in providing invaluable mentoring, seminars, and network functions that assists our members with opportunities for designing blueprints for business development, growth, and success.
Our organization dates back to 1945 when a small highly talented team of businessmen met on an interim basis to discuss community and business empowerment issues for African Americans. These exchanges quickly evolved into a strategic alliance named the Negro Chamber of Commerce. Under the leadership of Z.L. Riley and Leroy Adams, the organization continued to grow and serve as the voice for African American businesses in both public and private sectors.
Today, our mission remains constant. With a plethora of backgrounds and experience, our Board of Governors is drawn from central Florida’s top industry leaders. For example, board member Harold Mills is the Chief Executive Officer of ZeroChaos, an information technology staffing and human resources outsourcing firm with revenues exceeding $365 million. He was recognized in Black Enterprise Magazine’s June 2007 edition and named in Inc. 500 as one of the fastest growing companies in the United States for the second time in three years, and the fourth time in history. Other members and trustees have received notable acclaim and international recognition, such as Darden Restaurants, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, State Farm Insurance, Orlando Utilities Commission, and Florida Hospital.
