The Southern Maryland Minority Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (SMMCOC), formerly The Southern Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc.(SMBCC) exists to make the community a better place for all. The SMMCOC is a proponent for business growth, as well as economic development and empowerment.
It is an organization managed by a volunteer Board of Directors and Officers, established to promote civic, commercial, and industrial progress within the community.
The majority of the Chamber Board Members and Officers have worked together since 2008, when the Southern Maryland Consortium of African American Community Organizations (Consortium) was established.
This Consortium was comprised of eight (8) autonomous organizations that operated under a Memorandum of Understanding.
It was formed for the purpose of establishing a group comprised of community-based organizations in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, to jointly address issues and concerns of the African American Community.
It became clear that another vehicle was needed to improve opportunities and success of Black businesses in Southern Maryland, therefore, Consortium Members made the decision to establish the Southern Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (SMBCC) in July 2012 and to include Southern Prince George’s County as an area the Chamber served.
Moving forward, in January 2016, the SMBCC Board of Directors voted to change the name to The Southern Maryland Minority Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (SMMCOC), which more accurately describes the community groups it serves, including Veterans.