Rise Together
Championing African American Businesses to Advance Economic Equity, Strengthen Communities, Build Generational Wealth, and Cultivate Transformative Leadership Across Central Texas.
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We are removing economic barriers within the African American and business community by developing strategic initiatives, goals, and collaborative partnerships that will empower businesses, and strengthen our society.
With an emphasis on African American businesses, CTAACC is progressively building economic opportunities, providing small business resources and cultivating equity, and prosperity for all.
Legacy of Impact: Building a Stronger Future on Decades
From Humble Beginnings in Waco to a Powerful Beacon of Economic Empowerment, Community Transformation, Generational Wealth Creation, Business Innovation, and Inclusive Prosperity Across Central Texas
From 2004
Founded in Waco, Texas, as a non-profit to promote African American business growth and remove economic barriers through strategic initiatives.
Over the years
Achieved BBB accreditation, solidifying credibility and commitment to serving Central Texas with reliable support services.
Through 2023
Relocated to 715 Elm Ave, expanding facilities with more space, new equipment, and enhanced resources like credit improvement and homeownership programs.
Today
Today, CTAACC thrives at 715 Elm Avenue in Waco, TX - the heart of historic Elm Avenue - offering expanded operations, staff-led programs, and vital tools for business consulting, youth development, and community empowerment.
Staff
John Bible is a Waco native who graduated from University High School in 1995. He began his college career at McLennan Community College and after two years, transferred to Baylor University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Finance in 1999. For over 15 years, Mr. Bible worked in the financial industry as an Investment Advisor, holding dual-licenses as an Investment Advisor and Broker. He has worked for some of the top insurance and financial firms in the nation such as: UBS Financial Services, AIG, and New York Life. In November of 2018, Mr. Bible decided to start his own Investment Agency and created Bible & Sovereign Partners Financial Services, of which he is currently CEO.
During the years of being a Financial Advisor, John Bible found time in 2004 to become certified as a Generalist 4-8 in the Education field. He taught 5th grade social studies, spelling, and English language for Chilton ISD for three years. During that time, he also coached Junior High girls’ volleyball, basketball, and track.
John Bible started his work in the community as a young child. He attends Waco Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Waco, Texas and has held several positions in the church; and is currently an Associate Minister. He served on the NAACP Board as Treasurer for two years and later began serving on the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce in various capacities, starting with board member, treasurer, and chairman; and as of May 1, 2019, the new President/Executive Director of the Chamber. His mission is to use his knowledge and experience to provide a positive impact on the small businesses and minority community in Waco, Texas. John Bible currently lives in Waco, Texas, with his family. He is a Christian Business man, who will continue to serve the Waco Community the best way possible.
Rachel E. Pate is the Vice President of Economic Development at the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce in Waco, Texas. Rachel is a Waco native and graduated from University High School. Since 2016, Rachel has served in various roles at the Chamber and championed the causes of small entrepreneurs, women and minorities. She is also a LeadershipPlenty Institute graduate, Rapoport Academy Public School Board Member, A.J. Moore Advisory Board Member, and StartUp Waco Board Member.
With her mother being a Sunday School teacher and now Evangelist, Rachel began serving the community at a very early age. She was very active on her church’s usher board and youth ministry. Some of her fondest memories of growing up in Waco are being surrounded by her large, extended family for reunions and Juneteenth gatherings; her mother is one of eleven siblings who all hail from Waco.
She’s also a proud mom of one, lifelong member of Toliver Chapel Church, lover of the great outdoors, an avid basketball fan and a dedicated wearer of Converse’s Chuck Taylor shoes. Rachel’s favorite scripture is Romans 8:31- “…If God be for us, then who can stand against us?”
Teresa Collins is the Chamber Administrator at the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce. A resident of Canton, Mississippi, Teresa recently relocated to Waco, TX March 2017. She graduated from Jackson State University in May 2001 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Practicing as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker for over 15 years, she worked with the low-income impoverished community in Jackson, MS.
She later was promoted to Family Service Specialist, overseeing the caseloads and training of center social work staff. Since her relocation to Waco, Teresa became a regular volunteer at the African American Chamber of Commerce where she was later employed in her current position.
Teresa is the proud mother of daughter, Makayla and son, Bryson. They are learning the Waco community together and are excited about the new journey that awaits them.
Heaven Lee is the Esther’s Closet Coordinator at the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce. Heaven is a Waco native and graduated from Connally High School. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in August 2021 with a Bachelor of Psychology degree. She previously worked helping individuals advance in their careers through training and upskilling to gain financial security through high-wage and in-demand jobs.
She is a LeadershipPlenty Institute graduate and an Eastern Little League Board Member.
Board of Directors
