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Helping your business is our business.

ABOUT

HISTORY

The Durham Business and Professional Chain

(The Chain) was conceived and organized in 1938 as a member of the National Business League. With the slogan “In Union There is Strength," The Chain’s purpose was to promote the growth and development of African American businesses and professionals through “cooperative effort and unselfish service”.

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Such an organization, it was believed,would provide a vehicle through which business and professional aspirations of  African Americans could be fulfilled. Due to The Chain’s vision and diligent efforts, hundreds of African businesses have grown and prospered throughout Central and Eastern North Carolina.

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MISSION

The Chain’s primary mission is to promote the individual

and collective success of African American business and

professional people in Durham through networking, community awareness, communication,education, professional development and by monitoring and

influencing community trends and policies that impact economic development in this community. The work of

The Chain is done through eight commitees, each

headed by a committee chairperson.

 

The Chain also has representatives on civic and business boards throughout the city.

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COMMITTEES

Members serve on committees that develop and implement the work of The Chain, ensuring that our programs are relevant to involved business owners. 

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The committees of the chain are:

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Executive Committee

Economic Development Committee

Cultural Committee

Cultural Committee

Membership Committee

Education Committee

Seminars and Workshops Committee

Communications Committee

Fundraising/Special Events Committee

Long-Range Planning Committee

ABOUT
INITIATIVES

SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

Provide information and strategies to meet the unique needs of African American business and professional people.

BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE

ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

Our annual achievement and awards celebration.

RITES OF PASSAGE PROGRAM

Interdisciplinary team providing business mentoring services for startup and existing businesses.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Written and on-line information about The Chain’s activities and accomplishments.

Nationally acclaimed mentoring program for

African-American boys between  ages 13 and 16; started by the Cultural Committee.

VOCATIONAL SCHOOL INITIATIVE

Workforce-developing skills training to reduce unemployment and grow  business ownership.

INITIATIVES

DO YOU HAVE A SKILL TO SHARE?

Consider presenting at one of our seminars or workshops.

Events

EVENTS

MEMBERSHIP

As a member, you will benefit from:

Networking opportunities with a cross-section of business owners and professionals form diverse industries.

Learning opportunities through our Seminars & Workshops Committee from seasoned professionals who can help your business develope strategies for success.

Leadership opportunities to build The Chain's internal organization as wellas to collaborate with public and private enterprises throughout the region.

Online continuous exposure of your business or profession to a world-wide network.

Durham Chain members posing for a photo.
Membership Dues

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Annual dues to The Chain are based upon the size of your business(es). Please fill out the form linked below and remit the appropriate dues via check to:

 

Durham Business & Professional Chain

908 Fayetteville Street, Suite 202,

Durham, NC 27701.​

Membership Levels

 

  • Student $ 10.00

  • Individual $ 50.00

  • Small Business (1 – 10 employees) $ 150.00

  • Medium Business (11 – 20 employees) $ 250.00

  • Large Business (21 – 30 employees) $ 350.00

  • Corporate (31+ employees) $ 500.00

JOIN

CONTACT

CONTACT

US

Tel. 919-638-1407

908 Fayetteville St, Ste 202
Durham, North Carolina

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@durhambusinesschain

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CONTACT
The Chain and Durham: We Link for Progress; Supporting African-American owned businesse since 1937.
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