The 29th Annual Economic Awards Dinner hosted by the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) took place at the JW Marriott LA Live in Los Angeles, California on March 30, 2023.
Adai Lamar, a broadcast journalist and on-air personality for Radio Free 102.3 FM KJLH, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the event. Lamar, who has been the morning voice of KJLH since 2005, became the first African American woman to lead a morning show in Los Angeles.
The keynote speaker for this year’s event was newly elected Mayor Karen Bass, who delivered a powerful address. The GLAAACC Economic Awards Dinner recognizes individuals, small businesses, and corporations who have contributed to the economic growth and development of the African American small business community.
One of the top awards presented at the event was “Utility of the Year,” which was awarded to Scott Drury, the Chief Executive Officer of SoCalGas. SoCalGas’ Supplier Diversity Team received additional honors, with Vice President of Supply Chain and Operations Support Sandra Hrna receiving the “Small Business Advocate” Award and Lily Otieno, Director of Supply Chain Management and DBE, being honored with GLAAACC’s “Member of the Year” Award.
Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian and Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson were also among the honorees for their contributions to the African American business community in the Greater Los Angeles area.
GLAAACC Chairman Gene Hale expressed pride in recognizing exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond in providing resources, assistance, and a pathway to prosperity for thousands of Black-owned businesses. The organization, under the leadership of Chairman Hale, President Angela Gibson Shaw, Executive Engagements & External Talent Celeste M. Alleyne, Director of Programs Chanel Frampton, and Director of Operations Naomi M. Scott, is doing an outstanding job to elevate black businesses daily.
SoCalGas CEO Scott Drury acknowledged the importance of diversity and inclusion in his acceptance speech, noting that SoCalGas has increased its supplier spend with African American-owned businesses by more than 50% in the past two years. The company is committed to creating a more inclusive economy through a broad portfolio of activity managed by its supplier diversity team.
Overall, the GLAAACC Annual Economic Awards Dinner was a resounding success, with attendees celebrating the contributions of outstanding individuals and companies to the African American business community in the Greater Los Angeles area. The event serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the business world.
Read more on who is apart of GLAAACC leadership team – https://www.glaaacc.org/about/our-leadership/
Support The Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) learn more: https://www.glaaacc.org/
Feature Report By:
Lela Christine
Editor In Chief
The Power Player Lifestyle Magazine
