The Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) celebrated the resilience and strength of small minority businesses, along with the corporations, elected officials, and advocates who support them, at the 32nd GLAAACC Economic Awards on April 17 at the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE. Over the course of the evening, twenty-two awards were presented, including the prestigious Chairman’s Award honoring Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Michelle Fisher, co-anchor at KABC-TV, served as mistress of ceremonies.
The evening opened with remarks from GLAAACC Chairman Gene Hale, who reflected on more than three decades of honoring leaders who create opportunities for small businesses and highlighted GLAAACC’s role as a cornerstone of business growth.
“For 32 years, the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce has been a beacon of hope, empowerment, and progress for the community,” Hale said. “We have worked to foster economic growth and advocate for the prosperity of African American businesses and entrepreneurs across Los Angeles. There is much to be hopeful for as we look to the future.”
Hale then introduced a recorded greeting from Governor Gavin Newsom, whom he described as a leader committed to protecting fundamental freedoms and championing the spirit of California.
The Governor’s message was followed by an in-person welcome from Mayor Karen Bass. The mayor commended the honorees for their dedication and praised GLAAACC for maintaining its commitment to diversity and inclusion during a time when such initiatives are increasingly challenged. She also congratulated City Councilmembers Tim McOsker and Curren Price for receiving Public Service Awards and applauded Congresswoman Waters for her decades of support for small businesses at the federal level.
Mayor Bass reassured the audience of business owners, corporate leaders, and entrepreneurs that she and Libby Williams—a recipient of GLAAACC’s Small Business Advocate Award—remain focused on addressing their concerns.
“We’ve heard what you’ve said, and we’ve developed policies in direct response,” said Mayor Bass. “My office has been guided by that feedback because we want to ensure that the business community understands that the City of Los Angeles is open to business, welcomes business, and is committed to supporting and expanding the small business sector.”
In accepting the Chairman’s Award, Congresswoman Waters reflected on the legacy of GLAAACC and Chairman Gene Hale. She recounted how, following a conversation with Hale during the pandemic, she was inspired to work with colleagues in Congress to negotiate an additional $60 billion in funding from major banks to support small and minority businesses.
Waters addressed the broader national political climate and its economic implications.
“When you combine economic policy with what is clearly an anti-Black policy agenda, the result is clear—less investment in Black-owned businesses and increased unemployment, especially among Black women,” Waters said.
She also paid tribute to the late Jesse Jackson for his lifelong contributions to advancing economic empowerment and pledged to continue advocating for justice and equity.
Public Service Award honoree Councilmember Curren Price (CD9) highlighted key accomplishments in his district and outlined priorities moving forward, including preventing and ending homelessness, addressing the housing crisis, protecting marginalized communities, advancing the Slauson Connect project, improving parks and recreation centers, and implementing a $4 million neighborhood cleanup program.
The California Small Business Champion Award was presented to Peter Tateishi, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of California (AGC CA). As the largest chapter in the nation, AGC CA plays a critical role in strengthening California’s economy by shaping policy, enhancing industry collaboration, and developing the construction workforce.
Following the presentation, Gene Hale announced the formation of GLAAACC’s Construction Advisory Board (GCAB), a partnership between GLAAACC and AGC CA designed to connect partners and resources across the construction industry. The GCAB Advisory Board includes seven of the nation’s leading construction firms.
The Board’s inaugural initiative, the Prime Pipeline Alliance, will establish a prime contractor ecosystem that provides small, diverse, and emerging firms with direct access to mentorship, subject matter experts, and key decision-makers.
In addition to the award presentations and major announcements, the evening highlighted the impact of GLAAACC’s programs, including the GLAAACC Education Fund & Foundation. The Ed Fund Scholarship Program supports college-bound seniors from five Los Angeles high schools. Since its inception in 1999, more than 200 scholarship recipients have gone on to attend colleges and universities throughout California and across the country.
Chairman Gene Hale concluded the evening by thanking corporate sponsors and partners for their continued support in helping GLAAACC fulfill its mission to empower, educate, and inspire small minority businesses.
