For Immediate Release Contact: Press@tcbcc.net
Chris Watson/832-875-3977
Belize, Central America – declared a Trading
Country for Black Business Enterprises by TCICC
Houston, TX – May 25, 2010 – Tri-County International Chamber of Commerce (TCICC) – the international arm of Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce has officially declared the small English speaking country in Central America – Belize, a trading country for Black Business Enterprises in the U.S. and the Diaspora. TCICC, headquartered in Houston, Texas – an international hub, mission is to facilitate the development and preparedness of micro and small business enterprises seeking export and import opportunities in new global markets.
“Our goal is to increase the number and capability of Black Business Enterprises to engage in international trade by choosing a country, where reliable relationships and alliances could be forged, and profitable opportunities exist. We found our trading country south of Mexico, east of Guatemala, bordered by the Caribbean Sea, 2 ˝ hours flight time from Houston, and affectionately known as nature’s best kept secret – Belize” says TCICC President and CEO, Leondria Thompson.
“Attending a five day business trade mission in Belize with TCBCC in 2007, before becoming Vice President this year, my husband and I cherished the fact that our business ideas were embraced, the opportunities were plentiful, and the many obstacles we’ve faced here in the U.S. virtually were non-existent. We couldn't have been more pleased to become business owners in Belize," states Sherri Gongara, President, Morgon Enterprises Ltd.-Belize, and 2nd Vice President, TCICC.
A recent trade mission delegate, A. Todd Jackson, President, Brothers Keepers EDC, states, “My first mission with TCBCC to Belize in 2009 was an awakening. I met people that looked like me and welcomed me with open arms to do business with them. That trip to Belize opened the door for me to expand my business internationally, something I had never considered before.”
Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce “think global” initiative’s five year trek to Belize evolved into Tri-County International Chamber of Commerce and has fostered many relationships with the business community and Government, while strengthening trade ties for future profitable developments. “Although we are an inclusive chamber of commerce, our international focus is to gain more access and visibility in the global economy for U.S. Black Business Enterprises”, further states Ms Thompson, who was appointed in 2009 as Trade and Investment Promotion Envoy by the Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Belize’s Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
In a perpetual effort to promote international trade, TCICC will lead an International Bilateral Trade Mission delegation to Belize, June 21 thru June 25, 2010. This extensive mission encourages new and veteran entrepreneurs to do business internationally and trade with Belize. “We encourage all Black business owners to form strategic partnerships, joint-ventures, and make worthwhile investments in other countries, starting in Belize,” Thompson states.
The 5 day and 4 night mission will cover three (3) districts of Belize, which includes the capitol city – Belmopan, where meetings will be held with business counterparts, Government officials, Government Agencies, and U.S. Embassy officials for trade and commerce support. Mission delegates will participate in business match meetings, experience cultural exchanges and formulate an international network of resources.
For more information about Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce and Tri-County International Chamber of Commerce, and the International Bilateral Trade Mission to Belize, please visit www.tcbcc.org or email trademission@tcbcc.net .
# # # # #
Visit us at www.tcbcc.org