Delmarva Business League
Michael L. Hoy, President
PO Box 3713
Salisbury, MD 21802-3713
410/860-2640
E-mail: Mike Hoy
From the earliest days of this country's beginning, Black Americans have been engaged successfully in business, industrial and commercial pursuits. Yet, it was not until 1900 that an organized federation of merchants and tradesmen was established to promote and protect the financial and commercial interests of Black entrepreneurs. Under the leadership and guidance of Dr. Booker T. Washington, a former slave who became one of the most influential leaders of his day, a few hundred men and women launched the organization that is now The National Business League. Dr. Washington believed then, as we do today, that economic independence is essential for Black Americans to participate fully in American society. He advocated business development as the principal tool to achieve economic independence. He underscored this belief when he said: "No people ever got upon its feet and obtained the respect and confidence of the world which did not embrace all the interest of our people, we believe that without a solid economic foundation, it is impossible for any race of people to make much enduring, or much permanent progress in any country in the world."
The Delmarva Business League is an affiliate chapter of the National Business League. The organization's major focus is to bring together African Americans and other minority groups primarily in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. Our principle goals are to increase networking capabilities and promote economic development. The Delmarva Business League was established in 1988.
The members of the Delmarva Business League believe in the free enterprise system. Their beliefs are similar to the 12th President of the National Business League, Arthur Teele, Jr. who stated that, "Economic self sufficiency cannot be negotiated nor can it be begged or borrowed, nor will it come from government programs. To gain economic independence we must work for it and earn it."
The Delmarva Business League provides resource speakers, briefings and tours, monthly meeting sessions, networking opportunities, community assistance programs, technical, financial and management seminars.
In a very short period of time, the Delmarva Business League, with its constituency and members crossing all business lines, has been the organizational vehicle for Black business persons on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. It will continue to be an advocate and promoter of African American business enterprise in our free enterprise system.
This WWW page is funded by the Rural Development Center at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore through a grant from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.
Lower Eastern Shore Economic Development & Business Resources