In this issue, the Atlanta Regional Commission continues a conversation with Leona Barr -Davenport, President and CEO, Atlanta Business League, Inc. This organization was established in 1933 to foster growth, creation and development of successful business enterprises, owned, operated and managed by African-Americans in metropolitan Atlanta.
ABL is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. What would you like to see for the next 20 years?
I would like to see the League's membership increase to 5,000 members which is more representative of the African-American business community in metro Atlanta and surrounding areas. With a renewed focus on where and how the African-American community in the seven county metro area spends its more than 28 billion dollars, our goal is to take business ownership to another level. In 20 years, our spending could be responsible for increased business development and ownership, which directly impacts and increases employment.
What do you see as ABL’s role in connecting the African American community with the corporate community?
The Atlanta Business League has been bringing CEOs of all colors from the public and private sectors together for decades. Our strategy is one of creating partnerships resulting in inclusion. For nearly three decades the Atlanta Business League has recognized local chief executive officers (CEO) for outstanding participation in minority vendor development and community activities. The honors we confer are based in part on the willingness of extremely busy executives to take on work vital to carrying forward the agenda of the Atlanta Business League and the business community, which is establishing and building economic equality for minority enterprises.
We originally started the CEO Appreciation Awards Luncheon as a means to increase corporate involvement with the League and to create greater awareness of the many successful and accomplished Black business owners. Through experience and input of the membership we now work to recognize those individuals who put forth time energy and resources for the betterment of the Atlanta community and the inclusion of all Atlanta's citizenry, particularly minority entrepreneurs, in the economic mainstream of our great city.
Do you think the corporate community at large is aware of the contributions of advocacy organizations such as ABL in promoting inclusion and diversity?
The corporate community is aware, but not to the extent that it should be. The League has long been a convener of business development and advocacy organizations in metro Atlanta. The ABL membership includes a who's who list of corporate members, but it is far from being extensive. Past and current members are partly responsible for the disconnect. All members, especially board members, of advocacy organizations have a responsibility to promote and talk about the role organizations play in promoting inclusion and diversity. The role of leaders and members is to help connect the dots--making sure that the message is being repeated over and over again.
ABL serves as a minority business developer and advocate, what are some of the creative and innovative programs which are in place to foster economic empowerment and business development opportunities for your membership?
We offer a full range of opportunities for ABL members including business roundtables, a Business Enrichment Seminar Series, community outreach and special programs. Through our business roundtables, our members hear first hand about market strategies in the financial area and keep them abreast of business opportunities through sessions with groups such as AGL Resources and Macys. We are also committed to reinvesting revenues into member owned businesses and call upon them as a first source for purchasing products and services. Our Business Power Forums are particularly successful and helpful to members. History making business owners such as Cornell McBride of McBride Laboratories and Herman Russell, Sr. of HJ Russell Companies have shared their expertise with members as part of our programmatic offerings. Equally important, we implement specific programs recognizing and acknowledging business owners, CEO’s and professionals in Metro Atlanta for their efforts in creating business opportunities, employment opportunities, investing in Atlanta’s youth and for their volunteerism. Our annual CEO Awards Luncheon, Men of Influence, the Super Tuesday Conference and Women of Vision Breakfast are among our signature recognition events.
What are some of the things you are doing to address some of the issues facing African American business owners?
We recently hosted the 1st Congress on the State of Black Business in Metro Atlanta. The Congress brought together minority business owners from all walks of life to hear the state of black business and begin the process of developing a workable plan to ensure business growth in Atlanta. The intent is to realize a significant change in our communities by doing business with each other on a consistent basis. We are also working with business owners, community leaders, politicians, and organizations located in the Westside Historic Village and surrounding areas to focus on crime and create positive brand awareness for our community.
How would you describe the importance of your board of directors, volunteers and Partners in Economic Development to the success of ABL?
Our success would not be possible without them. We have a very committed and involved board, which is led by our current chairman Michael Russell, CEO, H.J. Russell Company. The Partners in Economic Development are companies such as The Coca-Cola Company, UPS, AJC and AirTran Airways, just to name a few, that are committed to the growth and development of minority-owned businesses. They have made significant investment in the programs of the Atlanta Business League which focus on education, training, business development and leadership. And, our membership base is strong and growing. The board of directors, sponsors, members, and staff are all committed to the continued success of the Atlanta Business League.
Visit www.globalatlantaworks.com to read part 1 of the interview with Ms Barr-Davenport published in the previous issue of the Global Atlanta Works Newsletter.