About Us
Our Story
The Albany Black Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) is a newly established Chamber providing a hyper focus on the development, promotion and growth of Black and minority-owned businesses in the Greater Capital Region. Through advocacy, culturally competent programming, business management training, access to capital and government contracting opportunities, ABCC plays a vital role in establishing equitable business opportunities for the BIPOC communities of Albany and the surrounding areas.
ABCC provides programs in the areas of Financial Management, HR & Staff Recruitment, Business Planning, Marketing & Advertising, and Taxes & Accounting.
Our Mission
To actively recruit and retain top Black and minority-owned business owners and executives by providing first-class business support, visionary leadership and advocacy coupled with a social club to promote a sense of belonging and help create a vibrant local community in which to live, work and do business.
Our Vision
To grow and sustain a nationally recognized, dynamic, and innovative chamber of commerce. Capitalize on unprecedented new technologies and initiatives. Utilize data and research to demonstrate how our membership reflects our diverse communities and show that our staff are experts in their fields. By emerging as a central player in all local economic partnerships and serving as an authentic and relevant voice, the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce will be the epicenter for Black and minority-owned businesses in the Greater Capital Region.
Meet Our CEO
Native to Albany, Deshanna C. Wiggins is a proud alumna of the Albany City School District and Clark Atlanta University. Deshanna carries a passion for service in her heart and works to positively impact lives and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. She spent the last decade helping people reshape their lives and stimulate equity and progression. Deshanna served the City of Atlanta for 10+ years under the leadership of Kasim Reed, Keisha Lance-Bottoms, and Andre Dickens in the office of Special Events, Film & Entertainment, and the Municipal Court of Atlanta.
After the successful development of two companies, The Warginson Group, an architectural design company, and CommonWealth Solutions, a boutique consulting firm to promote equity, social development, and human rights, Deshanna is excited to bring her talents back to her hometown to lead the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce & Social Club as CEO and seeks to empower minority business executives and owners to push Albany and the Greater Capital Region ever forward.