The Small, Diverse & Emerging Business Council focuses on fostering economic development and advocating for small, diverse and emerging businesses, through collaboration, partnerships and leveraging of resources to provide an inventory of services, resources and facilitate access to capital, exporting and programming opportunities. Co-chaired by board members, Bill Stockley, owner of Fast Signs and Eloy Salazar, owner of Salazar Investments, and assisted by Dr. Gilda E. Ramirez, Vice President for Small Business and Education for the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the Council is charged with identifying small business members, assessing their needs, developing & maintaining an inventory of resources, services; promoting small business (shop small) purchasing events in the community and small business growth development opportunties. The Council meets the second Wednesday of the month at 8 a.m. in the multipurpose room #324 of the CCRTA at 600 Staples Street. Chamber members interested in participating in the Small, Diverse & Emerging Business Council should contact Dr. Gilda E. Ramirez, by email at gilda@unitedcorpuschristichamber.com or by phone at 361-881-1800.