Chamber champion: Phil Andrews, president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, is a longtime crusader for minority-owned businesses.
JUNE 12, 2025
As president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, and through several other professional and volunteer pursuits, Phil Andrews is an agent of hope. The past president of 100 Black Men of Long Island, president emeritus of the Black Public Relations Society-New York, corresponding secretary of the United Black Men of Queens Foundation and founding president of the African American Small Business Foundation works diligently to promote minority-owned businesses throughout Greater New York, as a spokesman, a fundraiser, a coach and a confidant. Advocating for African American entrepreneurs has taken him through Albany’s corridors of power, to the nation’s capital and to Main Street, where the former U.S. Navy Reserve yeoman is hailed as a trusted leader – honorifics worthy of a tireless trailblazer who’s amassed a four-decade career boosting small businesses on Long Island and beyond.
Making the rounds: Andrews (second from left) can often be found speaking at summit meetings and gracing small-business panel discussions.
Early riser: My work with government services dates back to my 20s, when the U.S. Small Business Administration provided one-sheet pages that I distributed to businesses across Long Island.
Reading all about it: My interest in business has always been strong, even from a young age. I would read books and periodicals from the American Management Association, fascinated by how companies could go from losing millions one year to making millions the next. Curiosity and a passion for learning have always been ingrained in me – my family still jokes about how I take books everywhere, even to unlikely places.
That was then…: In my 20s, I co-founded the Haircut Hut Barbershop franchise. It became quite popular across Long Island, with locations in Hempstead, Uniondale, Roosevelt, Jamaica and Brooklyn.
…this is now: As a two-term president of our chapter, I led our participation in 100 Black Men of America Inc.’s national programs, including the Dollars & $ense program and the African American Academic History Challenge. We ranked high nationally in both competitions.
Go West: During my tenure at “The 100,” we also achieved a significant milestone by successfully mentoring and recruiting our first candidate into the West Point military academy. Selecting and vetting this recruit was a rigorous process, and it remains one of our chapter’s proudest moments.
PR pride: I became president of the Black Public Relations Society-New York for a short period of time to reactivate the organization. The society hosts events and workshops, aiming to open the doors for more Black PR professionals in the industry.
Communication coordination: As the corresponding secretary of the United Black Men of Queens Foundation, I handle external communications at the request of the president. I was a yeoman (administrative assistant to naval officers) in the Navy Reserve, so I learned a little bit about how to effectively correspond and communicate working in an organization and under military leaders.
United they stand: Larry Cormier, the founding president of UBMQ, was a mentor for me, so I’m paying it forward in the rich tradition of returning a favor that was provided to me during my journey.
Mission critical: The mission of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce remains steadfast as we continue to advocate on behalf of African American businesses in the regions we serve, pushing for responsive government.
Singular honor: In 2019, our chamber was honored by the Metro District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration as the Small Business Champion for 14 counties across Downstate New York and surrounding areas. This prestigious award is given annually to just one individual or organization, making it one of the highest honors for small-business leaders in the country.
Scale model: Our chamber remains committed to championing small businesses. During the pandemic, our leadership was named to Long Island Business News’ Most Powerful Long Islanders list. In May, we kicked off National Small Business Week on Long Island with a series of events. Currently, our focus is on increasing the size, scale and scope of the businesses we serve, helping them grow their gross revenues and expand their workforce.
Any volunteers? I was raised by an extraordinary community leader: my aunt, Frances Virginia Young. (Volunteering) is not a new concept for me – I was exposed to volunteerism and the importance of taking on the role of a leader in the community at a very young age.
Room at the INN: I was introduced to the Interfaith Nutrition Network through a mentor, Silas Jenkins, a Tuskegee Airman who encouraged me to get involved with the organization. Years later, I was honored to serve on the INN’s board. Another Tuskegee Airman, Ed Monroe, often reminded me, “We all have a little Tuskegee Airman in us.”
Man among mentors: Over the years, I also came to know Henry Holley, the former president of the 100 Black Men of Long Island, who was recently recognized by the Long Island Association for his lifelong dedication to their mission.
Busy stretch: We had a successful string of events for National Small Business Week in May and a few economic empowerment events coming up into the end of June. Minority Enterprise Development Month, in October, will bring with it another series of events aimed at helping small businesses grow.
Growth mode: The next phase of growth for the LIAACC is focused on helping small businesses scale by introducing them to the principles of operational excellence. This involves examining the processes and procedures necessary for businesses to enhance efficiency … and elevate to the next level of growth and development.
Team effort: Many Black-owned businesses are sole proprietorships – not by choice, but due to limited resources and support. To become successful, these businesses need to ensure they expand their workforce, have the right people in the right roles, implement efficient processes and adopt new technologies.
On-the-job learning: Small business owners must also take time away from daily operations to work on their businesses, not just in them. Successful companies, like Apple, thrived because their leaders took the time to read and learn from others’ successes and failures. Even slight adjustments in mindset can provide significant advantages and change the game going forward.
Keeping hope alive: There is hope for small businesses. By immersing themselves in their work and finding innovative solutions, embracing emerging technologies like AI and targeted advertising, businesses can overcome challenges. After all, small-business owners are essentially creative and strategic problem-solvers.
Just warming up: For nearly 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of leading prominent organizations, and I’m grateful to have been the catalyst for founding one of the newest chapters of 100 Black Men of America Inc.: The 100 Black Men of Eastern New York. I look forward to continuing to advocate for small businesses, mentor local entrepreneurs and engage in policy debates to make sure the voice of Main Street and minority-owned businesses is heard in the halls of power.
Interview by Gregory Zeller
https://www.innovateli.com/the-debrief-how-to-keep-black-businesses-in-the-black
