Freeport, New York – On April 19, 2019 the New York District Director of the US Small Business Administration will be visiting the Long Island region for a special meeting with the LI African American Chamber of Commerce to present a certificate to LIAACC’s President on the occasion him being named the 2019 Small Business Champion in the NY District.

The Special meeting will be held at the Freeport Memorial Library located 144 West Merrick Road, Freeport, NY 11520. The time of the meeting is 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

On March 11, 2019 the Small Business Administration’s New York District Office formally announced the selection of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.’s President Phil Andrews as the 2019 Small Business Champion for the New York District office which is in Downstate New York at 26 Federal Plaza, New York, New York.

Selection Criteria for champion 1) Demonstrated efforts to improve conditions in the small business community as a whole, not solely for individual personal advancement 2) Demonstrated accomplishments in advising small business groups of opportunities within the overall business community 3) Volunteer efforts beyond business/professional responsibilities to advance small business interests within the community, state and/or nation 4) Volunteer efforts to provide professional services to the small business community in a legal, legislative, managerial or financial capacity 5) Other accomplishments/recognition demonstrating the nominee’s merit as an effective advocate for small business interests

“This is significant milestone for the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) to be named Small Business Champion in the New District of the Small Business Administration.  The New York District Office is responsible for the delivery of the SBA’s many programs and services in New York City, Long Island, and the downstate counties of Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. We will use this honor as an inspiration to continue to service the small business owners in our service territory which is currently the four counties of Kings, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk. As we continue the next phase of growth our goal is to help companies grow to the next level.” Phil Andrews, President – Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Phil Andrews was selected  for his “hard work, commitment to excellence and dedication to the overall small business community,” SBA spokesman Bailey Wolff said. The New York district covers 14 counties in downstate New York.
Andrews, who became president of the  AACC in 2013, said being recognized by the federal government is a milestone that inspires him to “keep going and do more.” 

Led by Andrews, the AACC partnered with Nassau Community College to host the first African American Business Expo on Long Island last year. More than 40 product and service vendors, from industries including health care, insurance, finance, graphic design and energy, participated in the expo.

For Andrews, organizing the event was “a way to increase African-American employment through the growth of companies.” 

“Phil has worked tirelessly to create opportunities and establish networks for Long Island small business owners, especially those of color, to grow,” Wolff said. “And Walter has worked hard to grow his own company and in doing so provide employment for more people.”

“As membership chair of the largest African American Chamber in New York State I would like to thank all the members of the chamber which include Founders, Officers, Board of Directors and the entire membership of the chamber.  We would also like to thank our stakeholders such as Corporate Partners, Civic Groups, Non-Profits, Elected Officials and Government Entities who have contributed to the chamber’s mission throughout its phases of growth in the New York region. Small Business owners are encouraged to join this dynamic chamber of commerce which is poised for significant growth now and into the future.” Deon Brown, Chair of Membership Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

For more information on the programs and activities of the chamber or to become a member today log on to www.liaacc.org