African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE Receives USBC Inc. ‘Chamber of the Year’ Award

The AACC received this prestigious award during the 2025 USBC National Conference for its ‘unparalleled commitment to the Black business ecosystem’

PHILADELPHIA, SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 – The African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE (AACC) has announced that it has been awarded the US Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) “Chamber of the Year” award. This recognition took place during the 2025 USBC National Conference that was held from July 30 to August 1, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

 

According to USBC Chamber & Business Engagement Manager Phillip W. Dunn, the AACC was selected for this prestigious award out of 176 Black Chambers of Commerce across the United States because of its “‘excellent programming, remarkable advocacy, their significant growth in membership and their unparalleled commitment to the Black business ecosystem.”

 

“On behalf of the AACC’s membership and board of directors, we are incredibly humbled and honored to receive this recognition from our partners in progress at the USBC Inc.,” said AACC President & CEO Regina A. Hairston. “We know that the Greater Philadelphia region’s Black business community as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That’s why when I became president five years ago, I set out to address the systemic barriers far too many Black-owned businesses continue to face through policy reform, increasing access to social capital, and the power of coming together as a collective. This recognition is not only a win for the AACC, but also for our members and our region’s larger Black business ecosystem.”

 

Since becoming president in 2020, Hairston has combined her unique expertise as a seasoned strategist and former lobbyist with her unwavering commitment to service to champion Black business success across the Greater Philadelphia region. Under her leadership, the AACC has been able to:

• Host former President Joe Biden in Delaware, in partnership with the USBC Inc., to advocate on behalf of the region’s Black business community
• Launch signature AACC initiatives that work to close the gap in Black business ownership and create generational wealth including: the National Convening of Black Mayors, the Black Business Month Expo, the Women’s Business Luncheon and Accelerator Program, the Verizon Small Business Digital Readiness Program, the Capital Consortium Program, the Impact 10: Leaders and Legacy Program, and more
• Successfully advocate for the reduction of Philadelphia’s Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT) and easing other financial burdens on local businesses that hinder growth; and
• Establish partnerships with corporate giants such as TD Bank, JP Morgan Chase, and Comcast

“The African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE sets the standard for what it means to uplift and advocate for Black-owned businesses,” said Ron Busby, Sr., President & CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. “Under Regina Hairston’s leadership, the AACC has created meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurs in the Greater Philadelphia region and strengthened our collective voice nationally. Being named Chamber of the Year is a celebration of their unwavering commitment to the community and a reminder of the power we have when we work together. The USBC is proud to stand with the AACC and will continue to support their work to grow businesses, create jobs, and build lasting wealth in Black communities.”

Across the United States, Black-owned businesses have witnessed significant gains, both in terms of revenue and the number of businesses with more than one employee. In fact, the Greater Philadelphia region was ranked among the top 10 metro areas with the largest increase in Black-owned employer firms. Between 2017 and 2022, the number of Black-owned employer businesses in the Greater Philadelphia region grew by more than 71 percent.

Hairston added, “The data is clear: when Black-owned businesses are able to grow and create jobs, they not only generate revenue for our local economy, but they foster opportunities for our communities. Although we are excited to see this progress, we know that this is only the beginning of our work. In order for our region to thrive, and to close the racial wealth gap, we must continue to invest in our businesses and advance policies that facilitate growth rather than hinder it.”