2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25107470D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 441

Offered February 17, 2025

Commending the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

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Patrons—Pekarsky; Delegates: Callsen, Clark, Cole, Cousins, Hope, Laufer, Lopez, Martinez, McQuinn, Mundon King, Rasoul, Shin, Ward and Watts

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WHEREAS, for five years, the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation has empowered and advocated for Black business owners, enhancing economic equity in communities across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation was established in 2020 as the Virginia Black Business Directory and has grown from a grassroots initiative aimed at promoting and connecting Black-owned businesses to a thriving nonprofit organization that offers a range of programs and services; and

WHEREAS, working in partnership with the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation bridges gaps in access to capital, education, and networking opportunities to ensure that small businesses have the tools and resources they need to flourish; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation has gone above and beyond to foster financial literacy, support entrepreneurship and community development, and create opportunities for underserved populations; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation has served more than 2,700 businesses in its five-year history, creating a vibrant ecosystem where Black-owned businesses are driving economic empowerment, innovation, social equity, and sustainable growth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation on the occasion of its fifth anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the foundation's legacy of achievements in support of Black-owned businesses throughout the Commonwealth.