May 25, 2020
The senseless murder of George Floyd sparked passionate emotions against brutality, racism, and lack of accountability for police.
This tragic event served as a wake-up call.
People of all ethnicities worldwide came together to make bold movements demanding an end to systemic anti-black racism and violence at the hands of police.
In Oregon, discussions advanced to bring economic justice for black businesses that had not been afforded ample opportunities to grow and prosper.
Black Economic Prosperity Agenda
Just weeks after that inciting incident, Black members of the Portland Business Alliance issued a call to action to create an inclusive economy for all Oregonians.
Black Business Association of Oregon
The Black Business Association of Oregon was established to implement and administer the Black Economic Prosperity Agenda.
This tragic event served as a wake-up call.
People of all ethnicities worldwide came together to make bold movements demanding an end to systemic anti-black racism and violence at the hands of police.
In Oregon, discussions advanced to bring economic justice for black businesses that had not been afforded ample opportunities to grow and prosper.
OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lance Randall
Lance Randall has over 30 years of experience in the fields of economic development, community development, workforce development, housing, tourism, and government.
He has expertise in business recruiting, retention, expansion, relocation, infrastructure improvements, tax incentives, new markets tax credits, industrial park development, business incubators, commercial space development, CDBG, Hope VI grant, small and minority business lending, CDFI financing, permitting, zoning, grant applications, RFP responses, environmental compliance, real estate transactions, site selection, special tax schedules, sustainable development, organization capacity building, transportation improvement, project management, business consulting, infrastructure improvement, job retraining, apprenticeships, internships, customized training, incumbent worker training, convention recruiting, destination marketing, festival coordination, drafting legislation, policy issue analysis and constituent services.
He is credited with three awards for his work in economic development which include: the 2000 Robert B. Cassell Student Leadership Award, the 2001 Georgia Economic Developers Association Service to Existing Industry Award and the 2015 Tabor 100 Crystal Eagle Award for Excellence in Business Development Leadership. He also received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his outstanding and invaluable service to the community from the Honorable Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., and the John Lewis “Good Trouble” Award from First AME Church, Seattle.
The Black Economic Prosperity Agenda
The BEPA includes a:
- Regional Dashboard of Black Prosperity
The dashboard measures key metrics that track the economic state of Black residents in the region. The dashboard analyzes trends and produces public reports on the progress of the BEPA. - Strategic Plan for Black Economic Prosperity
The strategic plan uses key metrics from the dashboard to develop action items to increase economic prosperity for Black business and residents in Oregon. - Regional Center for Black Advancement
The regional center is a facility that provides all of the necessary space and tools Black businesses, and residents need to grow and maintain intergenerational wealth. The center has incubator space for new businesses, office space for other Black led organizations, space for networking and educational events, mentors, technical assistance experts and a community development financial institution (CDFI).
Success Factors of the BEPA
- Intergenerational wealth improvements for Black Oregonians
- An increase in growth, job creation and revenue for Black businesses
- An increase in philanthropic investments into Black communities by Black businesses
- An increase in the amount of taxes paid be Black businesses and residents
The BBAO partners with government agencies, cross-sector institutions, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to fulfill the objectives of the BEPA.
- The BBAO partners with, and supports other Black led organizations who work to improve the lives of Black Oregonians across the state.
- The BBAO implements economic development best practices to help Black businesses grow and prosper.
- The BBAO collaborates with our elected officials to develop policies that lead to large-scale changes that bring about equity across the state of Oregon.
- The BBAO engages with philanthropic communities and encourage them to make investments into the BEPA to bring about economic equity.
Let’s bring equity to Oregon together.
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