Understanding exactly what the Mid-South Minority Business Council (MMBC) does can be a challenge. The organizationโs work is so expansive and impactful that itโs difficult to encapsulate it in a single explanation.
โWhat we do is so broad that people often get only a glimpse of it,โ said MMBC CEO Jozelle Booker. โThey see the surfaceโwhat we promote heavilyโbut thereโs so much more beneath that.โ
Next month’s Economic Development Forum will give Mid-Southerners another chance to learn. This yearโs theme, โFuture Ready: Reimagining, Collaborating, and Transforming,โ aims to prepare the Memphis community for the rapidly evolving economic landscape.
The MMBC was established by both public and private corporations to address unemployment in the Black community, with a focus on creating jobs and empowering minority businesses. But their work spans far beyond job creation.
The MMBC connects minority businesses with corporate partners, facilitates certifications, provides training, and even plays a role in reducing crime and increasing consumable income in the community.
โEverything we do ties back to improving the quality of life for Black people,โ Booker emphasizes.
The EDF is not just another conference; itโs a convening of the entire community. Public and private corporations, small and large businesses, elected officials, and economic development organizations will all come together.ย The forum will feature workshops, networking opportunities, and panel discussions on what it means to be โfuture ready.โ
I sat down with Jozelle Booker, CEO of MMBC, to delve deeper into what the organization does and what attendees can expect from the upcoming Economic Development Forum.
Lee Eric Smith: Jozelle, MMBC does so much that it can be challenging to explain exactly what the organization is about. Can you give us a sense of how you describe MMBCโs mission?
Jozelle Booker: Absolutely. The biggest thing to understand is that we were missioned by both public and private corporations to solve for unemployment in the Black community. The outcome of what we do is employment, job growth, and ultimately, the empowerment of Black people. But itโs not just about jobs. When these corporations purchase goods and services from minority businesses, those businesses growโthey hire more people, and that ripple effect improves the quality of life in our communities. Itโs about reducing crime, increasing consumable income, and really lifting people up.
Lee Eric Smith: Thatโs a broad and impactful mission. How does the Economic Development Forum fit into this?
Jozelle Booker: The EDF is a key part of our mission. Itโs not just an event about MMBC; itโs a convening of the entire community. We bring together public and private corporations, small and large businesses, B2B and B2C entities, and even elected officials.
This yearโs theme, โFuture Ready: Reimagining, Collaborating, and Transforming,โ is all about preparing businesses and the community for the changes coming our way. Whether youโre a large corporation or a mom-and-pop shop, thereโs something for you at the EDF. Weโre focused on innovation, strategic partnerships, and adaptabilityโthings that are crucial for any business looking to thrive in the future.
Lee Eric Smith: What can attendees expect?
Jozelle Booker: We have a full schedule of workshops, networking opportunities, and panel discussions. We have speakers like Jim Clifton, whoโs going to talk about the evolving business culture and what leadership looks like post-COVID. Weโre also focusing on strategic partnershipsโhow businesses can collaborate to scale up and tackle larger projects. Thereโs going to be a lot of energy, excitement, and valuable information for anyone looking to grow their business.
Lee Eric Smith: How do you see smaller businesses fitting into such a big event?
Jozelle Booker: Thereโs definitely a place for smaller businesses. One of the things we emphasize is that even if youโre a small business, you can think big. We have a marketplace for B2C businesses, workshops on business basics, and plenty of opportunities for networking. The EDF is about making connections, learning, and finding the resources you need to growโno matter the size of your business.
Lee Eric Smith: It sounds like an incredible opportunity for the Memphis business community.
Jozelle Booker: It absolutely is. The EDF is about more than just economic development; itโs about community development. Itโs about making sure that Memphis is ready for the future and that our businesses, big and small, have the tools and resources they need to succeed.
