August 11,  2016
New Corporate Sponsor Spotlight
                               
Please help us welcome  Michelle Robinson, C.O.O . of the  Heartland Blood Centers . They are an independent blood center serving 71 hospitals in a 12 county area. They operate under a volunteer donor system. Heartland works toward collecting more than 160,000 units of blood annually. Their mission is to provide and maintain an adequate supply of blood and blood products for area hospitals to draw upon in order to meet the anticipated and actual needs of patients.  This mission is as valid today as it was at the blood bank's founding in 1943.     
(630) 892-7055

On behalf of the Chairwoman, Executive Director and the entire Board Of Directors, welcome to the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce!
New Member Spotlight
Kijuana McKinnie is a graduate of  Lewis University with a double major in business management and marketing.  While still matriculating, she was highly recruited into finance company management and quickly climbed the corporate ladder.  It was in that season that she was introduced to a business opportunity which has become her dream career.  She began her  Mary Kay business October 1996, became a Sales Director June 1998, and left corporate America 3 days later.  She has never looked back.


(630) 880-3784

On behalf of the Chairwoman, Executive Director and the entire Board of Directors, welcome to the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce! 
 

August 19, 2016 is approaching fast. Have you registered for the 1st Annual Quad County Golf Classic? You don't want to miss it. 
 
 









Click here to visit our new and improved website
The Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce is always looking for ways we can improve. We would love to hear from YOU! Please take a moment to complete a brief survey. We appreciate all of your feedback. 
                 QCAACC Survey
 
From The Desk of Our Executive Director
Shauna L. Weatherspoon...

Business Tips of The Week
Considering Social Media as Part of Your Marketing Strategy?

Social media is now a universe of splintered and diverse niche networks but there are a few that dominate the landscape. Some are embedded in our lives such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms  and guess what? They are here to stay!

KEY FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LINKEDIN :

According to media strategist, Jeff Bulla, LinkedIn has now surpassed 300 million users. There are now over 1 billion LinkedIn endorsements. 

41% of LinkedIn visits are now via mobile. 
LinkedIn has 5,000 employees and there are over 2.1 million LinkedIn groups. Their worth is now estimated over $7.5 billion. The top 5 countries by user numbers are: USA (93 million), India (24 million), Brazil (16 million), UK (14 million) and Canada with 9 million. The most likely demographic profile is male, Asian, 45-54 years, earns $150k+ annually, has no kids and has a college degree.

Things to Know When Building or Updating Your LinkedIn Profile:

The quality of your connections are important, not just the quantity alone. Things to keep in mind: 
  • This is your resume & "bill board" in many ways. Be concise with your words to ensure your message is clear.
  • Once you have over 501 + connections, your profile is then rated at a higher level.
  • Having a professional and up to date photo is a must. Not having one works against you for various reasons.
  • Only join groups where there is a common interest and you will actively participate in. DO NOT just join groups within your industry.
  • Need a reason to make a call or connections? See alerts for your connections for career changes, work anniversaries, birthdays, etc.
  • Actively posts articles to share and change up your profile and photo from time to time. Every time that you do, your connections are alerted of a change to your profile...guess who just became top of mind once again...YES YOU!
  • Get clients, industry experts, business associates and center of influences to endorse you, your business & services by writing a testimony on their experience in working with you. 
Tips About Other Social Media Platforms:
 
Facebook  -  is both personable & professional. Easy to see who's connected to who & keeps you up to date with the latest activities. Pictures tell stories & say a thousand words without you having to!

Instagram - It's fast. Limited word characters must be used.

Twitter - Also fast, has limited word characters that must be used as well.   (FYI - The millennial generations hangout more on Twitter & Instagram).

Did I mention that all of these social media platforms for the most part are FREE??   
SAVE THE DATE - Upcoming Events

Please note: Some events require registration. Use the link under each event. 
 
Do you like to talk about your business?  
Be the best and win one of 4 cash prizes!

Join us for the Women Business Summit & Pitch Competition!
Saturday, August 13, 2016
10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Hilton Garden Inn Evanston, IL.

Sunshine Enterprises is looking to award an innovative 
woman-owned business.

Submit a 3-minute video pitching your business and enter to win one of the following cash awards:  
1st Place- $2,500        2nd Place- $1,500
3rd Place- $750
2 runner ups- $100 Amazon Gift Card

 

Join us for The SMB Network Launch Party at the Chicago
 Marriott Hotel on August 27, 2016! 

The SMB Network provides, exposure, connections and resources to women entrepreneurs and women seeking to grow their network and expand their business.
 
Contact us today for sponsorship opportunities at 414.507.7653.
General admission is free - please register via Eventbrite to attend.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Why We Support the American Cancer Society

Saving lives from breast cancer starts  one team, one walker, and one dollar at a time. We know that the American Cancer Society is the leader in the fight to end breast cancer. We know that supporting them will ensure that if you need someone to talk to anytime of the day or night, they'll be there. If your friend is losing her hair from chemo, your mother needs a ride to treatment, or a loved one needs a place to stay when treatment is far from home, they will be there to help.Join us and together we will walk for a world without breast cancer.If you are unable to join our team, your  donation will directly help the American Cancer Society create a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays.

QCAACC - Women of Influence's goal is to raise $1,000 for our team donation. We thank you in advance for your support!
Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce

Purpose:
The Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce will provide leadership to enhance, promote, and empower positive business environments, and quality of businesses owned by African-Americans within the counties of Kane, Kendall, DuPage and Will.  The organization will provide business assistance in the development of solutions to local business problems presented by members.  Moreover, the organization will articulate positions, and, when appropriate, implement solutions to business/community problems.

Mission Statement:
The Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce provides leadership to enhance the business environment, and quality of life of businesses owned by African Americans.