Rev. Wesley A. James Minority Business Advocate of the Year

A dedicated community leader, Rev. Wesley A. James committed himself to ensure that minority-owned businesses have equal access to contracting and procurement opportunities. Many of the local accomplishments in supplier diversity can be directly attributed to Rev. James.

The Minority Business Advocate Award (MBA) honors Rev. James’ legacy and recognizes a company or organization that demonstrates supplier diversity and inclusion efforts and extends support to increase opportunities for the minority-owned business community.

Criteria:

Must be a Mobile Chamber member in good standing*
Have evidence of strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and expanding opportunities for minority-owned businesses
Have three complete years of operation

Have an office in Mobile, Baldwin or Washington Counties
*Resource partner organizations are eligible.

Application

Interested companies must complete the application and provide two letters of reference from a minority-owned business supplier, community leader. Applicants must also submit a reference letter from any of the following business associates: a company attorney; CPA or banker; and a vendor or customer. All information will be kept strictly confidential and will be used only by the selection committee.

As a part of the selection process, finalists may be asked to interview with the committee. The winner will be selected based on information provided in the application, reference letters and interview results.

Applications open for the Rev. Wesley A. James Minority Business Advocate Award on July 10, 2023, and close on August 31, 2023.

"*" indicates required fields

Organization*

Year Established*

Address

Phone*

Website

Owner - Key Executive*

Title*

Email*

Contact (if different)

Is your organization currently a member of the Mobile Chamber?*

Yes

Year your organization joined the Chamber?*

For all information requested below, use the space provided in this fillable form.

Provide a brief description of your business activity, primary products and/or services.

How does your company advocate or support Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs)?

Answer the applicable questions below.

Financial goals are an important/quantifiable indicator of success for the judging panel, and all financial information is confidential. These figures should include loans or contracts to local minority-owned businesses.

Access to Capital

Loan Amounts to Minority-Owned Businesses (2021):

Percentage of total loans: (2021): %

Loan Amounts to Minority-Owned Businesses (2021):

Percentage of total loans: (2021): %

Describe your lending practices, outreach or education that facilitates MBEs ability to obtain necessary financing.

Commitment to Supplier Diversity and Procurement Goals

Percentage of total contracts: (2021): %

Contract Amounts to Minority-Owned Businesses:(2021): $

Percentage of total contracts: (2022): %

Contract Amounts to Minority-Owned Businesses:(2022): $

Describe your organization’s goals in dollars or percentage for utilizing local minority-owned businesses.

Describe any future changes in your procurement procedures that will help facilitate continued progress in developing new and innovative minority-owned business recruitment.

Business Support Services

Describe services your organization provides MBEs that enhances the growth and sustain ability of their companies.

Mentor/Protégé Program

Describe the formal mentor/protégé program including the selection process/expectations/tracking progress or evaluation of the protégé companies.

Community Contributions to the Minority Community (2021) :

Community Contributions to the Minority Community (2022)

Describe local community service activities in which your organization or employees are involved.

Describe a recent success story explaining the role your organization plays in the overall success and growth of minority businesses.

Describe any highlights, achievements, awards and/or recognition your organization has received as it relates to minority business development or advocacy.

Authorization and Consent

If this organization is selected as the Minority Business Advocate of the Year award winner, I hereby authorize the use of my name, my organization’s name, non financial information, photographs, video recordings and audio recordings of me from any source, in connection with the Mobile Chamber’s Minority Business Advocate of the Year award program. I agree that no compensation shall be due me or my company for any such usage.

Truth of Information Release
By signing below, I agree that, to the best of my knowledge, the information provided herein is true and complete.

Owner/President

Date

I attest the information provided is true and factual.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, Attn.: Small Business Development Department, 451 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602 BRembert@Mobilechamber.com

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