Eagle Awards Program Book

SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2023

Seven o’clock in the evening

DISNEY’S CORONADO SPRINGS RESORT

1000 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

TITLE SPONSOR PLATINUM SPONSOR

Who We Are

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida is a membership organization serving public, private, and not-for-profit African American-owned businesses and organizations in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. For over seven decades, the Chamber has served its members as an advocate and resource. Established in 1945, the Chamber is a members-only network devoted to cultivating a thriving business environment for African American companies, an engaged public awareness for minority firms, and education and advocacy for both members and the Central Florida community.

Our Mission

We will be the principal advocate and preeminent leader in fostering economic success for African American-owned businesses and the African American business community in Central Florida.

Our Vision

To serve as the leading advocate in the Central Florida area for Black-owned companies in Business Development, Wealth Creation, and Economic Empowerment.

A Message From the President...

Greetings to the Central Florida Community!

On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to welcome each of you to the 19th annual Eagle Awards Gala! Tonight, we pause to celebrate business owners and individuals for their achievements and contributions to the community. The selection committee was challenged with the task of choosing winners among winners and I extend a thank you to all who served on that committee as well as my warmest congratulations to each of tonight’s finalists.

Tanisha Nunn Gary President & CEO, AACCCF

This year, we have gathered over 700 strong for the largest gala in our Chamber’s history and what I predict will be one of the most amazing and memorable evenings for our Chamber. This evening would not be possible without the support of our members, trustees, sponsors, volunteers, and the Chamber staff who works daily to plan and execute programming for our members. Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Walt Disney World Resort, for your continuous and generous support of this event each year. I also would like to thank our event management and production company, Latria Graham, and GLB Media Group.

Again, thank you for joining us. Let’s get ready to soar like Eagles!

Warm regards,

Tanisha Nunn Gary

Tanisha Nunn Gary, Esq. President/CEO African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida

2023

Board of Directors

2023 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Hope Newsome - Virtus LLP, Chair

Michael Young, ACY Contractors, LLC., First Vice Chair

Candice Simmons - Wells Fargo, Vice Chair

Monica Riley - C & M Riley, Inc., Secretary

Paul Shelton - Warwick Shore Advisors, Treasurer

Ron Nesbitt - McCoy Federal Credit Union, Immediate Past Chair

Tanisha Nunn Gary - AACCCF, President & CEO

Derek Bruce - Gunster Law Firm, General Counsel

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Leticia Adams - Walt Disney World Resort

Josh Bell - 26Health

Kamia Brown - Sunshine Health

Jessica Burns - Weinberg, Wheeler, Hudgins, Gunn and Dial, LLC

Rodney Carter - Carter Health

Janeiro Coulter - City of Orlando

Bryan Harden - NBC Sports Next

Dr. Danny Hoey - Valencia College

Lynette Jackson - JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Kena Lewis - Orlando Health

Bishop Derrick L. McRae - The Experience

Christian Center

Tajuan Mills - Truist Wealth

Dawn Ofodile - VyStar Credit Union

Simmon Reed - Travel + Leisure

Drew Starke - Blink Charging

Lynetta Steed Tipton- Valley Bank

Latisha Thompson - OUC

David Watson II - Goodwill Industries of Central Florida

Xiomara Wiley - Universal Destinations & Experiences

Rodney Williams - CFO 2 Grow

Keshia Woodie - Orlando Magic

2023 EAGLE AWARDS PROGRAM

Master and Mistress of Ceremonies: Stewart Moore, Evening Anchor, WESH 2 News

Summer Knowles, Evening Anchor, WESH 2 News

Music & Performance By: Sisaundra Lewis

THE BLACK NATIONAL ANTHEM Lift Every Voice and Sing ........................... Sisaundra Lewis

SPECIAL GREETINGS.............................................................

Mayor Buddy Dyer, City of Orlando

OCCASION ........................................................................................................... Tanisha Nunn Gary

President & CEO, African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (AACCCF)

EVENT CO-CHAIR REMARKS ...................................... Monica Riley, Owner, C & M Riley, Inc.

Dawn Ofodile, Manager, VyStar Credit Union

TITLE SPONSOR REMARKS ............................................................................... Leticia M. Adams

Government Relations Manager, Walt Disney World Resort

INVOCATION......................................................................................................... Michael D. Young President, ACY Contractors, LLC

Dinner and Entertainment

AWARDS PRESENTATION

SPECIAL GREETINGS.........................................................

Mayor Jerry Demings, Orange County

CORPORATE RECOGNITION AWARD

Presented By: Allie Braswell, Jr., VP of Cultural Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, VyStar Credit Union

Dr. James Michael Burkett, President, Florida Technical College

MLK HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Presented By: Jeff Hayward, President & CEO, Heart of Florida United Way

David Dawkins, Managing Director, Wells Fargo Advisors

SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Presented By: Commissioner Regina I. Hill, City of Orlando, District 5

Tonja Graham, Supplier Diversity Manager, Duke Energy

EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Presented By: Lavell Monger-Harris, RTW Photography

Lynette Jackson, Community Manager, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

ENTERPRISE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Presented By: Jason Siegel, President & CEO, Greater Orlando Sports Commission

Tony Jenkins, Central Florida Market President, Florida Blue

EAGLE AWARD

Presented By: Irving Matthews, President & Owner, Prestige Ford - Mt. Dora

Ron Nesbitt, Executive Vice President, McCoy Federal Credit Union

SPECIAL AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

BENEDICTION

Board Chair, Hope Newsome Managing Partner, Virtus LLP

Derrick L. McRae

Senior Pastor, The Experience Christian Center

MASTERS OF CEREMONIES

Stewart Moore

Stewart Moore co-anchors WESH 2 News at 4pm, 5pm, and WESH 2 News at 10pm on CW18. He joined the WESH News team in August of 2011. He is originally from Rock Hill, South Carolina. Before joining WESH, Stewart worked as the morning anchor for WIS in Columbia, South Carolina and WTXL in Tallahassee, Florida. At WTXL, he began reporting and anchoring while still in college at Florida State University. He majored in creative writing and minored in communications. Stewart also interned at CNN in Atlanta.

Since arriving in Central Florida, Stewart has made a tremendous impact on the local community. Stewart volunteers at various schools, sits on multiple community boards, and has moderated several town hall discussions on major issues in the community. Since joining WESH, Stewart has become a four-time Emmy award recipient and has won two associated press awards. He’s also been honored with two Edward R. Murrow Awards. He’s covered major stories including the George Zimmerman trial, Pulse shooting, and the 2012 and 2016 Presidential elections. In South Carolina, Stewart won a consumer reporting award for his profile of a South Carolina shrimper and covered the 2008 Presidential race -- interviewing President Barack Obama, Senator John McCain and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Stewart considers himself a news junkie, but during football season he is focused on his Florida State Seminoles.

MASTERS OF CEREMONIES

Summer Knowles

Summer Knowles is an award-winning journalist, who co-anchors WESH

2 News at 6 & 11 Monday through Friday. She joined WESH 2 News in January of 2015. Since arriving in Central Florida, Summer has landed multiple high-profile interviews including but not limited to Stacey Abrams, Congresswoman Val Demings, Vice President Mike Pence and then Presidential Candidate Joe Biden (shortly before the presidential election). Summer is most proud of her work in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death on the Project Community: Crusade for Change news documentary. She was awarded an Edward R. Murrow in 2021. She is equally proud of her short series spotlighting COVID-19’s impact on local prisons and their families in the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Summer came to Central Florida from Miami, where she was a Reporter/Fill-in Anchor for CBS 4 News. She began her career in Charlotte, North Carolina where she worked as a News Writer and Overnight Producer for NBC News Channel before landing her first on-air reporter job in Charlottesville, Virginia. After Charlottesville, Summer moved on to report at KTVI in St. Louis, WPEC in West Palm Beach, and KSLA News 12 in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she also anchored the morning and afternoon newscasts. When not at work, volunteering in the community or mentoring young aspiring journalists, this proud Central Floridian enjoys weight training and spending quality time with her hubby and their three daughters Sade, Sasha & Sanaia.

CORPORATE RECOGNITION AWARD

This category recognizes an organization that demonstrates the highest commitment to business and social responsibility. The ideal corporation has been instrumental in growing African American small businesses by providing sound professional advice, performing duties beyond normal practices, and positively influencing businesses on a mentorship or contractual basis.

The Orlando Magic has been a pillar when it comes to giving back to the community. Orlando Magic President and CEO, Alex Martins, is dedicated to building an organizational culture that values social responsibility and social justice. The Orlando Magic supports the community through sponsorship of charitable causes, andevents and donating to deserving nonprofits non for profits throughout the tri-county area. Through the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, the team has contributed $28 million dollars in the last 33 years. Community Ambassadors, Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw strive to positively impact our community by speaking to local youth groups and participating in basketball clinics and camps. Along with this, The Magic donates over 5,000 tickets per year to nonprofits to provide underserved youth in the Central Florida area an opportunity to enjoy a legendary experience at a Magic home game. Every year, the Magic hosts a Black History Month Celebration game night in which AACCCF Chamber members are given the opportunity to feature their businesses.

Last year, the Orlando Magic launched a Supplier Diversity Program to help local minorityowned businesses procure business opportunities. The team has played a crucial role in many initiatives to support the businesses including the launch of the Orlando Magic Black Business Summit. The Orlando Magic has been a proud trustee sponsor of the AACCCF for over a decade. One of their biggest recognitions to the local companies in Orlando was their partnership with United Healthcare to host Small Business Night. Many small businesses were connected and given information and tips on how to start and run a successful business.

MLK HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

Raymond Warthen

Descending from a long line of Florida farmers, Raymond Warthen is a civil engineer and strong advocate for the many underserved neighborhoods in his home of Central Florida. Zion Farms & Market started in 2016 on a 20-acre farm in Apopka, FL. Raymond’s hard work began in an abandoned garden with nine-foot-tall grass & weeds, a vision, and passion.

Realizing that South Apopka is a food desert with little access to organic fruits and vegetables within a 10-mile radius, Raymond brought produce & resources to the area. Better yet, local residents were able to see where their produce comes from and pick and purchase it on the spot. He also taught gardening, sustainability means & methods utilizing organic –chemical-free nutrients.

Now, the Zion Farms & Market platform isn’t just a market -- it’s a movement! Raymond collaborated with other urban farmers in the Central Florida area and formed Infinite Zion Farms, an alliance owned and operated by their non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Zion Farms & Market.

Under Infinite Zion Farms, Raymond broke ground in October 2019 at his third urban garden in the heart of Parramore and he has built positive connections with the community through his love of gardening. His goal is to establish urban farms throughout Central Florida and be an affordable source of organic produce and education about healthy food.

The Urban Farm is now a national study between fifteen universities and international students in Agroecology and Biology Programs. Mr. Warthen, a 5th generation farmer, also won the East Florida Regional Planning Council Diamond Award. He is co-author of Academic Practice in Ecology and Evolution, co-lead for the United Nations Foundation Sustainable Development Goal, and Project Administrator for the Brightline High-Speed Rail.

The MLK Humanitarian Award is presented in memory of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to commemorate his belief that progress is achieved through freedom, equality, justice, and love.

SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD

This category recognizes an individual or business that has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of small business opportunities for minority business owners. The award will go to an individual or organization that has been an outstanding spokesperson and advocate for small businesses gaining contracts, supplier diversity opportunities and assisting with policies that help make a difference for the African American small business community.

Candice Simmons

Candice Simmons leads and executes initiatives and strategies for impact investing and philanthropy with a focus on racial equity. She also cultivates comprehensive learning models that include professional education and development in Sustainability/Environmental Social and Governance (ESG), Housing, Small Business Development, Financial Health, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

As a fierce advocate for Black businesses she cultivated a relationship with FAMU Law that resulted in Wells Fargo funding the Racial Equity Clinic created to offer free legal services for Black businesses here in Orlando.

Candice has served as a member of various boards and advisory committees, including Florida Consumer, Orlando Realtor Foundation, Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF), and the Orange County Housing for All Taskforce.

Most recently, Candice has been instrumental in serving as an advisor for Enterprising Black Orlando Impact Fund and Black Boardroom Institute in Central Florida. EBO is an intentional effort to change the disparities among Black businesses and communities here in Central Florida. Serving as Vice Chair for the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida’s Executive Board, she was a strong advocate and influential leader in ensuring the creation and launch of the new business Accelerate Central Florida cohort with the Chamber. She serves on the regional committee for Black Business Investment Fund in supporting their efforts to ensure equitable access to capital for Black businesses in Central Florida and throughout the state.

FINALISTS: EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

This category recognizes a Black-owned business or entrepreneur that has been in business for at least three fiscal years and has demonstrated substantial growth.

Detailing Express, LLC

A veteran-owned and operated mobile detailing company, Detailing Express, LLC has grown to be one of the top quality mobile detailing companies in Central Florida. In addition to their detailing services, Detailing Express, LLC can be credited with pioneering the first monthly detailing subscription plan to be offered by a Black-owned company in Central Florida. Detailing Express, LLC works with a diverse spectrum of customers including Corkcicle, Richmond American Homes, FedEx Ground, XL Soccer, etc. Courtney Felton, CEO of Detailing Express, LLC, brings his passion for exceptional customer service and strong commitment to quality work. Under Courtney’s leadership, Detailing Express, LLC, continues to experience double digit growth rates in annual revenue. Felton remains committed to serving the Central Florida community through economic development and support, as seen with his efforts to feed up to 1,000 underserved families annually during the Thanksgiving holiday and support for Veterans and domestic violence victims.

Verity Construction Company

Verity Construction Company is an Orlando-based General Contracting and Construction Management firm. Verity Construction is committed to building with integrity, authenticity, innovation, and collaboration. Understanding that each project is unique leads them to having the productive ability to work with their clients on achieving their dreams. Verity Construction Company has been recognized by OBJ’s Fast 50, OBJ’S Golden 100, and the Orlando Magic Small Business Award.

FINALISTS: ENTERPRISE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

This category recognizes a Black-owned business that has been in business three to five fiscal years and has demonstrated a trajectory of growth.

ASAP Tax & Accounting Services

ASAP Tax and Accounting services was started by Mylika Morton and has had consistent revenue growth since 2019. In the past 2 years, the business has hired 3 full-time employees and has given back by outsourcing to other small businesses in the areas of virtual administration and marketing and branding. The company provides the community with financial and legal aid and It is their goal to provide competent support with compassion and care. Mylika Morton has a law and tax background which gives the company a competitive edge. Our team serves individuals, small businesses, large corporations, nonprofits and churches. Mylika assisted her virtual CFO client with securing over 1.5 million in private capital funding and in excess of 5 million for senior housing development. ASAP Tax and Accounting Services has saved their small business clients between $7,000 - $50,000 by implementing advantageous tax strategies. She has also helped numerous clients secure their 501(c)(3) designation for nonprofits. The company sponsors community outreach events especially those hosted by African American organizations, such as the Guilty Gala and Two Dope Chics and the CEO participates in speaking engagements and panels to educate the community on tax planning, tax law changes, estate planning and entrepreneurship.

Comforting, Loving & Helping Hands Agency

Comforting Loving and Helping Hands Agency is a family-owned and operated home care agency that was established in Orlando in 2019. Owner & Founder, Trena WilsonLeverett saw a need and went to work. Their goal is to provide tailored, superior care to children, the elderly, mothers, and veterans to improve their quality of life while safeguarding independence and dignity in the home. Understanding that long-term care can be costly, Comforting, Loving & Helping Hands has built a reputation on offering top-notch services at affordable prices. Their vision is to be the unparalleled leader of in-home care services in Central Florida through collaborative planning and efficient services by supporting and maintaining the community’s trust. Comforting Loving and Helping Hands has partnered with the Christian Service Center of Orlando to feed the homeless in the Parramore community among many more charitable efforts.

Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center

Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center is a unique center that focuses on improving their patient’s quality of life by using a holistic whole-body approach to connect a patient’s diagnosis with a customized plan of care. The Center is Haitian-American owned and has been serving the Pine Hills and West Orlando community for the past ten years. Owner, Idler Bonhomme, recently opened their second clinic location of outpatient physical therapy in MetroWest. Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center has a team of highly skilled therapy providers who are 100% focused on the customers optimal health. They are committed to providing effective, efficient, and high quality therapy services through compassionate care and health education. The Center hopes to continue to expand in hopes to closing the disparity gap of minority healthcare providers. Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center gives back to the community through hosting and participating in monthly community workshops to grow awareness and education for residents. The staff performs targeted workshops on fall prevention and pelvic health with the hopes of empowering the community to proactively practice prevention. Along with this, the Center also onboard one or two student interns for training and development.

FINALISTS: EAGLE AWARD

This award recognizes and honors an African American business that has made notable, longterm contributions to economic development, its industry and community.

AceApplications, LLC

Founded in 2001 by President Courtney Powell, AceApplications is an Information Technology solutions provider for businesses, schools, and government agencies, delivering custom software and web development, cloud applications, IT Staffing services, and technology sales.

Their team of professionals has over 150 combined years of successful experience in engineering and design, web and software development, consulting, project management, marketing and brand management, operations management, and technology sales. Over the last three years, the firm has seen growth by 463% and they have hired over 50 employees at competitive pay, across all lines of business and contributing to local job creation.

AceApplications, LLC served as a key strategic vendor for Orlando Health, and worked with K-12 education and Seminole County Government. Ace Applications,LLC designed and developed software application to modernize mission critical system for the US Department of Commerce, in placement of foreign service officers working overseas. AceApplications has received many awards including in 2021, Top 50 Companies to Watch in State of FL - GrowFL, and was the # 2 for Black-owned companies on Orange County Book of Lists both in 2022 and 20023. Most recently, in 2023, AceApplications was ranked #4 on the Gator 100 list which recognizes 100 of the fastest-growing companies owned by University of Florida Alumni firms.

O-Town Provisions, Inc

O-Town Provisions, Inc. is an exclusive and authorized local Proveyer of the Boar’s Head brand, the nation’s leading premium quality delicatessen products. Products are comprised of first-class ingredients including whole muscle beef, pork, poultry, and spices that are sourced from around the globe. The company primarily services local supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and theme parks. Under the leadership of President & CEO, Hyzens Marc, O-Town Provisions has seen tremendous growth since its inception. He became the first Black Purveyor of the Boar’s Head brand in the history of the company not just in Orlando, but in the entire world. O-Town Provisions has a team of over 30 employees and is one of the only small businesses that offers benefits to employees including a 401 (k) retirement plan in which the company matches contributions. Over the last few years, O-Town Provisions has regularly volunteered and donated food to the Amazing Grace World Mission, a non-profit that provides weekly meals to the homeless and conducts mission trips to Haiti.

FINALISTS: EAGLE AWARD

Pediatric Dental Group

The Pediatric Dental Group is owned and operated by Dr. Olubisi Aina whose passion for pediatric dentistry is like no other. The company takes pride in providing each patient with a unique care approach. Pediatric Dental Group helps prevents poor dental hygiene through a range of preventative care by educating patients and parents. Pediatric Dental Group is the only pediatric dental office that offers dental services under general anesthesia in all three major hospitals: Nemours Children Hospital, AdventHealth, and Orlando Health. Team members work hard to keep the environment fun, safe and exciting. Throughout the years, the staff have been able to watch their young patients grow into responsible adults who are enthusiastic about caring for their smile. Dr. Aina has been nominated for Orlando Family Magazine’s Top Dentist three years in a row. She also volunteers and provides free dental services for uninsured patients with the Free D.O.M. Clinic.

Creating vibrant communities

When we come together to build stronger communities, we give our time, energy, and ideas to help influence positive change. And as we watch progress take root, we grow as well.

African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, it’s an honor to recognize your commitment and service to the community wellsfargo.com/donations