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Chamber: New Jersey procurement data shows sharp racial disparity, offers partnership plan for Eatontown
Summary
John Harmon of the African American Chamber of Commerce told Eatontown council that a five‑year state procurement review found Black‑owned firms received $3.3 million of $11 billion in spending; he urged career fairs, vendor outreach and municipal partnerships to boost participation.
John Harmon, founder, president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, presented a state disparity study and urged Eatontown officials to help connect local Black‑owned businesses to public and private contracting opportunities. "When all was said and done, blacks received $3,300,000 out of $11,000,000,000 spent," Harmon told the council, citing the 2015‑2020 procurement review.
Harmon described the chamber as a clearing house that can help municipalities identify qualified minority vendors, host career fairs and run entrepreneurship programs. He said the chamber is an accredited partner of the U.S. Chamber and noted it runs workforce and entrepreneurship training, including in correctional settings and high schools. Council members responded with immediate follow‑ups: a liaison offered to host a career fair, and the mayor suggested using Netflix community benefits funds to prioritize Eatontown residents for jobs tied to local redevelopment.
The presentation included data on homeownership and net worth disparities and stressed the difference between availability and utilization of minority firms. Harmon encouraged the council to coordinate zoning, recruitment and outreach so local businesses can compete for upcoming projects tied to redevelopment in the downtown.
