ATLANTA – Atlanta celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Caribbean American Heritage Month with various activities, including the launch of the Jamaican Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta (Jam Cham). It was a night to remember, as a large number of guests came to celebrate the memorable launch.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step”- The Honorable Jewel Scott
The launch was a celebration inclusive of the entire Caribbean and professional community. Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Atlanta and a practicing Attorney-at-Law. Attorney Jewel Scott spoke of the importance of Jamaican businesses uniting as members of the chamber.
Alan Stewart, fellow board member and President of the Atlanta Jamaican Association (AJA), spoke of the vigor and genesis of the Chamber, how the concept was birthed, and the continued commitment and dedication of all 22 founding members involved in establishing the chamber.
Importance of Unity and Progress
Ania Lackey, brought greetings from Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and wished JamCham much success. Ms. Lackey, who is originally from Poland, discussed the importance of the international community, along with the role chambers play in creating and growing jobs, as 22,000 international companies operate in the Atlanta community. The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Chairman Albert Edwards, discussed the strength in unity to leverage the abundance of resources available.
Chairman of the Jamaican Chamber, Dr. David Panton, spoke of his vision for JamCham which should evolve into a big and powerful voice for its members, and follow the success of the other chambers represented at the launch that evening.
The evening was not only festive, but informative as well. An interview Barry Bennett, CEO of MME by Dr. Glen Laman, was a unique highlight of the program, as Mr. Bennett discussed the challenges he faced as an entrepreneur growing and developing his business.
Cassius Butts, Regional Administrator for the Small Business Administration (SBA) delivered an interactive presentation, which included him walking around the room to personally and randomly grant several entrepreneurs a few moments with the microphone to discuss their business. Mr. Butts, was appointed by President Barack Obama to lead the SBA in eight southern states, was the keynote speaker for the evening.
The evening was hosted by Chris Stewart, head of member services for Jam Cham. Dr. Glen Laman, President of JAMCHAM, who is also the author of recently published, Jamaican Entrepreneurship, opened up the evening with an overview of JAMCHAM’s events over the past year, which included the group’s hosting of Jamaica’s Foreign Minister to discuss the promotion of Jamaican products in Georgia. Mr. Laman is the successor of founding President Dr. Janice Barrow, who serves as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Executive Education, at Kansas State University.
There is no place to which I have journeyed in my professional travels, and have not found a business owned by a Jamaican. Their spirit and commitment to “own a little business somewhere” is the drive of all who leave the Island of Jamaica and journey abroad to make a new life.- Austin Thompson
Georgia has been voted the #1 state in which to do business, and with its growing reputation as a state for global expansion, Jamaican businesses shall experience nothing more than immense success as they build with JAMCHAM and leverage its growing resources. Congratulations on what you have established. Your journey will be fruitful.
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