(BLACK PR WIRE) – Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, Michigan, June, 10, 2013 – Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce is excited to host the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber membership drive and press conference, Thursday, July 11, 2013.

An official press conference will be held 10 am-12 pm in the Community Room at the Ypsilanti District Library-Whittaker Branch. 5577 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. (734) 482-4110. www.ypsilibrary.org

At the conference, President of the Michigan Department of Education, John Austin, will deliver a message regarding the need for minority businesses within the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area, and the pertinence it is to the Michigan economy as a whole. And, Senior Economist of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Maude Toussaint Comeau will share the financial opportunities available to minority owned businesses within the metropolitan area.

The Chamber Membership Drive Kick-off will follow, later in the evening, from 6-7:30 pm at the Quarter Bistro. 300 S. Maple Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103. (734) 929-9200. www.thequarterbistro.com

"This is a historical event. We represent the first African-American business chamber within the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. With both the City of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti encouraging small business entrepreneurship, the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Black Chamber is a key component to Washtenaw County's economic future," said Anistia P. Thomas, President of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Black Chamber.

"The key partnerships with the cities of Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti, the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce, and corporations such as Google add to the proven staple of the AAYBCC's magnitude of influence within Washtenaw's economy. The Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce is a strong minority Chamber in which all local businesses should make it their ‘business’ to become a member."

This is truly an exciting time for the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce and the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Branch. All are encouraged to attend and participate.

For more information please contact, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Black Chamber President, Anistia P. Thomas, at (734) 327-1800. president@annarborypsilantiblackchamber.com

The Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) is Michigan’s first statewide Black chamber of commerce. With access to more than 79,000 black-owned businesses in Michigan, the MBCC has become one of the largest and most influential chambers of commerce in the country. For more information visit http://www.michiganblackchamber.com/.