Southside Businessman Named CBA Board Member

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Griffin anticipates strengthening Chathams business community by being an active listener.
Griffin anticipates strengthening Chathams business community by being an active listener.

On Dec. 12, Chatham Business Association appointed a new board member, John Griffin, president/CEO, AGB Investigative Services, Inc.

Griffin has several goals he would like to accomplish within his new CBA role.

I wish to assist the business owners by engaging in the development of their businesses within the Chatham community. I will also contribute to the business optimal financial development and technical enhancements, he told Chicago Citizen.

Griffin is a nationally-trained, full-range security, and computer expert. He has owned AGB Investigative Services, Inc. for approximately 11 years.

A native of Chicagos Englewood community, he was inspired to start his company because he wanted something to pass on to future generations.

As a business owner I desire to build an economic legacy for myself and family. Often times African Americans have a rich tradition of handing down spiritual, moral, social, political and capital traditions. What is absent from this list is the wealth building strategies, said Griffin.

Griffin says several business leaders are role models to him including William Garth Sr., CBA chairman and CEO of Chicago Citizen Newspaper Group.

I have several [business role models] but not one specific. Chris Gardner, John Johnson, and Bill Garth just to name a few. There is a common thread amongst all these men and that is, they are unapologetic with regard to assisting and aiding the Black community. Additionally, as African American business owners, I feel compelled to develop and train individuals within our communities to be exemplary employers and/or employees. This means setting high standards and expecting high results.

Griffin anticipates strengthening Chathams business community by being an active listener.

The most important thing as a board member is to be an active listener. I would hear the concerns of the business owners and seek answers and resolutions for the success of their business and make their business model stronger, he said.

Griffin plays a huge role in his community. He is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Xi Lambda Chapter. He is also Sutherland Elementary Schools Local School Council vice chairman and is the schools fourth grade basketball coach.

Moreover, Griffin annually donates AGBs office space to Chicago Family Health Center for special medical screenings in areas where chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension are prevalent and health care coverage is practically non-existent.

By Thelma Sardin

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