Who We Are & How Did We Get Here

The Southern Maryland Minority Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (SMMCOC), formerly The Southern Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (SMBCC), exists to make the community a better place for all. The SMMCOC is a proponent for business growth, as well as economic development and empowerment.

It is an organization managed by a volunteer Board of Directors and Officers, established to promote civic, commercial, and industrial progress within the community.

Most of the Chamber Board Members and Officers had worked together since 2008 when the Southern Maryland Consortium of Minority Community Organizations (Consortium) was established. This Consortium was comprised of eight (8) autonomous organizations that operated under a Memorandum of Understanding.

It was formed to establish a group comprised of community-based organizations in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties to jointly address the Minority Community’s issues and concerns. It became clear that another vehicle was needed to improve the opportunities and success of Minority businesses in Southern Maryland. Therefore, Consortium Members decided to establish the Southern Maryland Minority Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (SMMCOC) in July 2012 and include Southern Prince George’s County as an area the Chamber served.

Moving forward, in January 2016, the SMMCOC Board of Directors voted to change the name to The Southern Maryland Minority Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (SMMCOC), which more accurately describes the community groups it serves, including Veterans.​