Terre Haute, Ind. – The Black Business Alliance (BBA) has appointed its first chairperson to lead the organization for the next year. Dr. Janie Myers, who has been involved with the BBA since its inception, looks forward to continuing the momentum as she takes over as head of the organization.
“I am excited about the opportunity to provide Black entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance to become business owners and see their dreams and goals come true,” said Myers, who serves as Vigo County Coroner while also owning her own business. “Thus, giving Black entrepreneurs the ability to grow, learn financial independence via business ownership and laying the groundwork for generational wealth.”
Myers, who resides in Terre Haute with her fiancé and her ten year old son, looks forward to the BBA furthering its impact on the community.
“I believe helping to create and strengthen Black entrepreneurs with the help of BBA will have a great economic impact for the community,” Myers said. “We’re preparing future business owners to be successful in our community, which in turn brings jobs and revenue.”
LT Thompson, who serves as the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce’s Black Business Alliance coordinator, is excited to have Myers on board in this capacity. “It’s great to have her involved because of her professional experience operating a business, outgoing personality to share with anyone about the alliance, and like-mindedness to build rapport and support Black-Owned businesses and entrepreneurs. She’s attended almost all BBA-related events.”
Myers knows the BBA cannot achieve its goals alone. “The community can help BBA by getting the word out to potential and establish minority business that BBA to here and they are here to help. You do not need to start your business and feel alone or helpless,” Myers said. “There are several challenges that come with the role of board chair. However, to me, the biggest challenge is to stay focused on providing guidance and being the voice of the membership to the Chamber, never losing sight of the BBA’s long term goal of Black entrepreneurship.”
Myers, DO, DFACOS, FACS, received her Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and completed her medical training at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). She moved on to her residency in General Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center and finished at Midwestern University/St James Hospital (now Franciscan St. James Health), both in Chicago. Afterward, Dr. Myers completed her FHS Advanced Laparoscopy Fellowship at St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma, Washington.
