BlackBusinessList.Com founder, Stephen Wicks, is moderating a discussion at this year's retailX Conference in Chicago.  The discussion will explore the idea that major retailers can add to their bottom lines by purposefully assisting minority businesses and communities. 

Are you a black business owner who runs a business in the wholesale and/or retail sales of goods?

We are looking for minority business owners who have products in retail stores to give us their experiences.  We may include your feedback in the discussion in Chicago.

Questions:

1. What products do you produce?
2. How long have you been in business?
3. How are your sales?
4. What stores are you currently in?
5. Was it difficult to get into the stores?
6. Do you feel as though your minority status helped or hurt the process?
7. Did the retail organization have a program dedicated to help minorities?
8. What suggestions do you have for black wholesalers looking to get into major stores?
9. What would you like to see differently from large retailers?

Mr. Wicks will use this data in the discussion with minority business owners and retailers at the retailX Conference.

Please feel free to reach out to him at SWicks@BlackBusinessList.Com

You can learn more about the retailX Conference here.
https://retailx.com/onsite/overview/

(Staff Report)
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​We are very proud to announce that Michelle Perkins will be joining BlackBusinessList.Com in the role of Executive Vice President.  Ms. Perkins will be heading up training and educational events for our over 2,000 Black entrepreneurs who are members of our organization.

​Shelly is a Los Angeles, California native and has worked with underserved and economically disadvantaged youth and families as a special education teacher, district education administrator, young adult counselor-mentor, curriculum developer,  and community outreach organizer for 20 years. She holds a B.S degree in Justice Studies, two Master's degrees in education and community leadership and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Counseling.

We are excited to have her join the team and help take BlackBusinessList.Com to new heights.

January is National Hobby Month.  This got me to thinking about my own hobbies and passions.  One of my hobbies is photography.  I absolutely love composing great photos and video that tell a compelling story.  My love of this art form actually led me to adding it as a service in my business.  Has that ever happened for you?

What are your passions?  Have you ever monetized your hobby?  With today's uncertain climate due to COVID-19, it's important to explore every avenue of income generation.  Share your thoughts with us in the post and let us know!

Here are a few of the photos that I have taken over the years.

Stephen Wicks, Founder
​BlackBusinessList.Com