Williamson Inc. Black Business Coalition holds holiday mixer for fun and for support

Dec. 15, 2022

By Sarah White – For the Herald

  • Tera Blue, co-chair of the Black Business Coalition, and Elizabeth McCreary, CEDO of Williamson, Inc., speak with an attendee during the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Both Blue and McCreary spoke of the coalitions mission and gratitude at the start of the mixer. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Attendees mingle during the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Derrick L. Solomon dressed as Santa Claus poses with a Christmas tree during the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Solomon said he volunteered to dress as Santa to bring some holiday joy to the mixer. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Attendees pose for a photo with Derrick L. Solomon who dressed as Santa Claus for the event during the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Tera Blue, co-chair of the Black Business Coalition, speaks at the beginning of the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Elizabeth McCreary speaks to attendees during the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Ashlee Gray and Brittany Dillard speak with other attendees during the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Cassie Jones poses for a photo with Derrick L. Solomon during the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Derrick L. Solomon (left) and Marcus Meneese (right) pose for a photo during the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Kel McDowell, Jay Strobino and Kevin Townsee (left to right) pose for a photo during the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Freda’s Catering and Creation provided snacks and food for the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Derby Jones, Raye McDonald and Cassie Jones (left to right) pose for a photo during the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Ed Morton Jr. and Darlene Morton pose for a photo together during the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. The Morton’s are mother and son and both own local businesses. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Uncle Nearest, a local Black business, provided mixed drinks during the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Victoria Eady Butler, Master Blender at Uncle Nearest, presents the prize to the raffle winner during the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Photo/ Sarah White
  • Attendees mingle during the Black Business Coalition holiday mixer at Williamson, Inc. on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. Photo/ Sarah White

Williamson County Chamber of Commerce’s Black Business Coalition recently hosted a holiday mixer for local businesses to connect. The social event was a testament to the growth and support the coalition has gained since its birth in 2020. 

With 125 registrants, the event nearly doubled in size from last year’s turnout. The room buzzed with conversations between old and new friends, while music, drinks and food helped elevate the holiday spirit. But this event was about more than just having a good time.

“We don’t just do this for fun,” said Tara Blue, co-chair of the Black Business Coalition, when addressing the crowd. “We do it to support you all.”

In 2020, the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce realized the need to embrace the diversity of its community and began partnering with local Black businesses to create the coalition. 

“I don’t think people realize the amount of Black businesses in [the county],” said Vandel Gentry, attendee and a Realtor at EXP Realty. 

Since then, the Black Business Coalition has been working to gain recognition and support for local minority-owned businesses. 

Elizabeth McCreary of Williamson Inc. spoke to her organization’s goal of supporting diversity. “This is about helping minority businesses grow,” she said during the mixer.

The coalition aims to continue events like these and has already scheduled at least one for every fiscal quarter of 2023. 

While there was no shortage of smiles and laughter at the event, there was also an abundance of networking and shared support. Everyone seemed to come willing to not only meet their neighbors but also to offer care and community connection.  

For more information about the Black Business Coalition and how to get involved, go to https://williamsonchamber.com/bbc/.