On this episode we continue the series discussing in this series the impact of COVID-19 on black lives and businesses in light of the social and economic unrest in the U.S. right now. We invited Jerome Hutchinson, Founder of the International Career and Business Alliance, to discuss why he believes black businesses matter in the U.S.
ICABA® ,International Career and Business Alliance, Inc., is a career and business development company assisting accomplished professionals and entrepreneurs achieve their career, business and lifestyle aspirations through valuable connections, information and opportunities.
He is also he Managing Partner of JHJ Marketing Group, LLC, a South Florida based marketing agency providing its clients with culturally relevant strategies executed through engagement marketing, experiential marketing, advertising, public relations and social media.
Hutchinson made history when he and his Father launched WYCS-TV, Kentucky’s first African American owned television station in his hometown of Louisville, Ky. WYCS-TV signed on-air March 6, 1996. As a serial entrepreneur, Hutchinson’s business interests have included broadcasting, information technology, retailing, and a marketing consultancy. Hutchinson has also enjoyed a successful career as a radio executive from 2002 through 2008 serving as General Sales Manager for three of the nation’s top five urban radio stations: Houston’sKMJQ--FM, Majic 102, Atlanta’s WVEE--FM, V--103, and Miami’s WEDR--FM, 99 JAMZ
Since arriving in South Florida in 2005, Hutchinson has been active in the community serving on the boards of 100 Black Men of Greater Ft. Lauderdale, the Broward Alliance, BB&T Bank Advisory Board (Broward County), Nova Southeastern University Ambassadors Board, the BrowardWorkforce Development Board, the Broward Presidents Community Council, Board Chairman, Broward Health Foundation, Florida Memorial University Business School Advisory Board and the Broward Alliance Governor’s Council. He is also an alumnus of the 2008-09 Leadership BrowardClass XXVII. He has received numerous awards for business and civic leadership; in 2015, the Collective Empowerment Group presented him the “Grand Champion” award and the TJ Reddick Bar Association presented him their “Business Leadership” award. In 2016, the Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce recognized Hutchinson as a “Man of Distinction”.
In 2017, Hutchinson received the Vanguard Award from the Mosaic Group. Hutchinson has also been featured in local and national media for his civic and business leadership. Hutchinson is single and has two (2) daughters, Kristin and Naomi. He is an active member of Potential Church and resides in Sunrise, Florida.