African American distributors.

Q Last year I purchased a appliance distributorship in Northern California. size company in the industry. I've been to a number of industry-related meetings and conferences, but have yet to see other African Americans that l could network with in the industry. Where can I find them? Sharon Dixon--McLaughlin Livemore, California

A Although there appears to be no specific African American wholesale appliance distributor trade associations, there are other means of networking with African Americans who may be in your industry or who you can conduct business with. The National Black Chamber of Commerce 202,466-6888; www.nationalbcc.org, is the largest black trade association in the nation with affiliate chapters throughout the country and would prove to be an excellent networking forum.

You mentioned that approximately 95% of your business is with general contractors in the new housing development industry, I would suggest joining the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 800-368-5242; www.nahb.com, or a local chapter in the Bay area, 925-820-7626, as an associate member and inquiring about networking opportunities. I would also suggest, after meeting with other African American business owners as a result of contacting the established trade associations, establishing a forum and perhaps a future trade association for blacks in the industry.

--P.M.P

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