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Midtown board asks CRA to consider joining Urban Chamber of Commerce
Summary
After a presentation from the Urban Chamber of Commerce of Volusia and Flagler Counties, the Midtown Redevelopment Advisory Board voted to request that the Community Redevelopment Agency apply for membership in the Urban Chamber.
The Midtown Redevelopment Advisory Board on April 8 voted to ask the City of Daytona Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency to apply for membership in the Urban Chamber of Commerce of Volusia and Flagler Counties.
The request followed a presentation by Dr. Kennedy Jacobs, founder of the Urban Chamber of Commerce, who described the organization’s work to support underrepresented, undercapitalized small businesses in the Midtown area. The board moved and seconded a motion "that the CRA complete an application to become members of the Urban Chamber of Commerce." The board chair called the vote by voice and the motion passed.
The Urban Chamber, formed as a 501(c)(6) in 2021, told the board it aims to build mentor networks, increase access to financing and technical assistance, and partner with banks, regional chambers and local institutions. "The concept of the urban chamber of commerce began with the task force of 15 business owners in early 2020," Jacobs said during his presentation. Lucretia Ramos, the chamber’s office manager, and several small-business members — including Chris Morant of Roseville University and realtor Gene Gavin — spoke about recruiting members and local partnerships.
Board members and staff signaled support but noted procedural limits. City attorney staff (referred to in the meeting as Attorney David) told the board the advisory body can request the CRA consider joining but cannot unilaterally direct the CRA. The motion the board approved is a formal request asking the CRA to "consider joining the Urban Chamber of Commerce," and staff said they will forward that request to the CRA for its consideration.
Board members emphasized follow-up steps. Michelle Tolliver, the city’s Midtown project manager, said staff would set up follow-up meetings with the chamber. The board also discussed potential conflicts of interest, and staff reminded members that if they choose to join the chamber they should coordinate with staff to identify any items that could create a quasi‑judicial conflict before voting on related matters.
The approved motion did not identify a mover or seconder on the public record, and the roll-call vote tally was not recorded in the meeting transcript; the chair announced the motion passed by voice vote.
The request to the CRA is limited to membership consideration, not a funding commitment. Board members invited the chamber to continue outreach and to provide collateral materials and membership information for Midtown businesses.
