Business and Political Leaders Flock to GLAAACC 11th Annual Economic Awards.

Business Editors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 18, 2004

The Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) tonight hosted more than 500 business and government leaders at its 11th Annual Economic Awards dinner held at the downtown Hyatt Regency to salute

The theme of this year's event was "Building Economic and Political Coalitions," and featured U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Stephen A. Perry as keynote speaker, and award-winning television host and journalist Rolanda Watts as mistress of ceremonies.

"GLAAACC was delighted that Mr. Perry accepted our invitation to address our distinguished honorees, guests and friends," said GLAAACC Chairman Gene Hale. "As a businessman and as a government administrator, his words and insights were well received by our audience."

This year's award recipients included Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, City Councilmember Wendy Greuel and Police Chief William J. Bratton. SBC Senior Vice President Dave Nichols was presented with the GLAAACC Chairman's Award, and Broadway Federal President and CEO Paul Hudson received the GLAAACC President's Award. L.A. Mayor Jim Hahn's Chief of Staff, Tim McOsker, received the coveted Julian C. Dixon Public Service Award.

"In their capacities, these individuals have utilized all of the resources at their disposal to ensure the success of small and African American-owned businesses," explained Hale. "Their commitment to this cause is unwavering, and we're pleased to have the opportunity to honor them with our highest awards."

In addition to paying tribute to those who have distinguished themselves as advocates or supporters of small and African American-owned businesses, the GLAAACC Annual Economic Awards dinner provides the organization with the opportunity to acknowledge and salute those who support GLAAACC's overall goals and objectives.

With Bank of America as chair, other event sponsors included American Honda; Toyota Motor Sales, USA; SBC; Wells Fargo; Union Bank; and Northrop Grumman.

Formed by Hale and other entrepreneurs nearly 12 years ago, GLAAACC's primary mission is to promote the growth of Black-owned enterprises by proactively combining the resources of the surrounding African American community with other mainstream organizations in order to secure solutions for expanding businesses and cultural communities.