AACC 30th Annual Meeting & Award Ceremony Magazine

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Message from the President & CEO

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Our Story

10 - 13

Leadership

Board of Directors

Jovan T Goldstein, Board Chair

Regina A. Hairston, President & CEO

17 - 20

Programming

21-41

2023 Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony

Vanguard Award

The Honorable Vincent J. Hughes

Pennsylvania State Senate

Non-Profit of the Year

African American Museum In Philadelphia

Chairman’s Award

Donna Allie, Team Clean, Inc

Entrepreneur of the Year

Felicia D Williams, HiTouch Enterprises

Small Business of the Year

Supra + EMSCO

Corporate Advocate of the Year

Gregory E. Deavens, Independence Blue Cross

Thank

you for making such a positive impact

in our community

Inspiring people and mobilizing resources to address critical issues is a significant achievement. We’re proud to recognize the work your organization does in our community making a difference in so many people’s lives.

Let’s join together in saluting the African American Chamber of Commerce (PA-NJ-DE) for 30 years of service.

Since 1993, the African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE (AACC) has been regarded as a vital voice for the Black business community. For the past three years it has been my honor to sit at the helm of this organization and champion the mission of closing the racial wealth gap through entrepreneurship.

The local Black Chamber is needed today more Black businesses face new challenges. We expect affirmative action laws to protect our rights but those laws are being consistently eradicated. Recent landmark Supreme Court decisions are limiting the use of diversity and inclusion practices in education. These decisions have set a precedent that can be applied to private enterprise, further widening the ability of Black businesses to compete in a fair and equitable marketplace.

The AACC will continue to champion efforts to stop the erosion of policies enacted to create fair and equal opportunities for Black businesses. We remain at the forefront to stop the return to old, discriminatory practices that kept us excluded from the economic gains of the last century. However, we can do more. We can shape the new laws that will propel us to new heights of economic equity and prosperity in this century.

The African-American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware has enormous potential representing one of the most dynamic regions in the Northeast Corridor and headquartered in the sixth largest city in the nation. Our influence continues to grow to reflect that and our membership should also grow until we are number one in Black business density in the country.

I invite you to join the AACC on the next phase of our journey by continuing to partner, invest, and advocate for policies and resources for Black businesses and the Black community so that we may realize true economic parity, empowerment, and prosperity.

Regina A. Hairston President & CEO

After the hard-earned civil rights victories of the 1960s and expansions of those rights in the 70s and 80s, the 1990s brought a backlash against affirmative action policies. Philadelphia was at the center of a major battle when the Contractors Association of Eastern Pennsylvania Inc. along with eight other plaintiffs successfully fought to overturn the creation of preferences in city contracting for businesses owned by minorities, women, and the handicapped. This ruling led to the repeal of a city ordinance which allowed setasides specifically for those protected

This was a major blow for black contractors in the city and the African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, and DE (AACC) was formed in 1993 by a group of visionary founders in response to the loss.

The Honorable John F. Street, Co-founder & Former Mayor of Philadelphia

The AACC set out to create more opportunities for Black contractors and other minority entrepreneurs in the tri-state area as well as grow its number of members. While Philadelphia and other cities still promote diversity, set-asides now allow the inclusion of the race neutral designation “small business” or exist as small, special diversity programs. This makes the need for an African-American Chamber all the more relevant to address the needs of a community which is still lagging in awards for government contracts as well as necessary banking relationships that fund capitalization of larger projects. The first decade did bring about growth in membership as well as influence under the guidance of a number of impactful leaders as the chamber sought to develop effective methods to address these disparities.

The AACC continued to grow over the next ten years. In 2004, The African-American Chamber of Commerce Foundation was formed as a non-profit entity of the AACC to promote the sound economic well-being and empowerment of the AfricanAmerican business community through education and other charitable means. The decade also began a period of making important connections with other community organizations and building coalitions that would extend the reach and scope of the chamber that extends to this day.

The African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, DE has remained fixed on being a resource for its members while finding new ways to promote the mission of being a leading advocate for minority owned businesses. The AACC continued to make high profile partnerships including the Philadelphia 76ers, Diverse Chambers Coalition of Philadelphia, and Diverse Force. Several new programs and initiatives have also been created to focus on the goal of increasing economic empowerment through advocacy, policy creation, and elevating the agenda of the Black business community.

Most notably, the AACC has increased its advocacy efforts and was instrumental in addressing Philadelphia City Council to make changes in business taxation which immediately benefited African-American businesses. The AACC also initiated the National Convening of Black Mayors. This groundbreaking event brings together African-American mayors from across the nation to discuss solutions to support and increase the number of Black owned businesses. The event is also a call to action to drive economic empowerment by working collectively to expand black business density. The AACC is strategically positioned to continue the mission of furthering African-American business interests and bringing economic prosperity for business owners in the Pennsylvania and Delaware regions.

The

Judge

The

The Late Dr. Emma Chappell Founding Member

Bilal Abdul Qayyum Founding Member

Mjenzi Traylor Founding Member

The Late Harvey Clark Founding Member

The Late Fred Felder Founding Member

A. Bruce Crawley Founder & 1st Chairman

Honorable John F. Street Co-Founder

Glenn Brown, DMD, Esq. Founding Member

Renee Cardwell Hughes Founding Member

Honorable Curtis Jones, Jr. Founding Member

Steven Scott Bradley Chair Emeritus

Sulaiman Rahman Past Chair

Delilah Winder Past Chair

A. Bruce Crawley 1st Chairman

Shalimar Thomas Past Executive Director

Nicole Ross Past Executive Director

John Childress Past Executive Director

Melonease Shaw Past Interim Executive Director

Donavan West Past President

Malcolm Ingram Past President

Michael Banks Past President

BOARDOF BOARDOF DIRECTORS DIRECTORS

AFRICAN-AMERICANCHAMBEROFCOMMERCE AFRICAN-AMERICANCHAMBEROFCOMMERCE PA,NJ&DE PA,NJ&DE

Brian Edmonds

Dimitria Davenport

Gary Shepherd

Glenn Brown, DMD, Esq.

Jeff Hornstein

Justin Campbell

Karen Lewis

Kenn Penn

Dr. Kenneth Scott

Krishna Narine

Lowell Thomas

Malcolm Ingram

Maria Frizelle-Roberts

Judge Renee Cardwell-Hughes

Richard Cottom

Rita Toliver-Roberts, EdD

Ron Davis

Ron Dutton

Rosalind Lee, DM

Tarik Brooks

Tummona Fisher

Vernice Lewis

James Sanders

Melonease Shaw

Roman McDonald

The Honorable Tony Payton, Jr.

Stokley Tomlinson

Jovan T. Goldstein Jovan T. Goldstein Chairman Chairman

Bjorn Henriques Bjorn Henriques Vice Chair Vice Chair

Daivy Dambreville, Esq. Daivy Dambreville, Esq. Secretary Secretary

Krystal Jones Krystal Jones Treasurer Treasurer

Steven Scott Bradley Steven Scott Bradley Chairman Emeritus Chairman Emeritus

Dexter Hamilton Dexter Hamilton General Counsel General Counsel

Regina A. Hairston Regina A. Hairston President & CEO President & CEO

COMMITTEE COMMITTEE CTURE CTURE

2023 - 2024 CHAIRS

Technology Technology

Stokley Tomlinson Stokley Tomlinson

Membership Membership

James Sanders James Sanders

Communications/Media and PR Communications/Media and PR Bjorn Henriques Bjorn Henriques

Capital Consortium Capital Consortium

Tarik Brooks Tarik Brooks

R R

Events/Programming Events/Programming s mittee mittee erts erts

It is my honor to serve as Chairman of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, and DE as we celebrate the journey of our organization over the past 30 years and share a vision for an even brighter future.

Three decades ago, a small group of visionaries came together with a shared dream to create more opportunity and equity for our Black business community. They started an organization that would not only excel in its mission but leave a lasting impact on our community

As we enter a new decade of service, we are building upon the legacy of the past and making it stronger, more resilient, and more effective as we move forward. My vision is to expand the reach of the AACC and focus on creating enhanced opportunities and ownership for the African-American business community. The Board of Directors has identified three key pillars to position the Chamber to meet the challenges and opportunities for future generations: (1) Strategy, (2) Relationships and (3) Impact.

We are implementing strategic initiatives to leverage our resources. We leveraged the past by installing an Emeritus Chair role. We are leveraging the future by creating more robust industry specific networking events and business empowerment resources. Additionally, we are seeking out enterprising youth; utilizing our members in more collaborative ways; and setting up 13 committees to focus on development which allows us to leverage the expertise of our board members.

We are establishing key strategic partnerships with third parties organizations in areas where we lack the current expertise to accelerate the goals of AACC for its members.. Our region is constantly growing and there are numerous opportunities for our Black businesses to provide the goods and services needed for new stadiums, government infrastructure, office projects and countless other projects. The AACC actively engages with the decision makers on projects that are mutually beneficial and align with our long term goals.

“The strength of the Black business community lies in our collective experience and resilience...” Regina A. Hairston

Under the leadership of AACC President & CEO Regina A. Hairston, the Chamber’s top priority has been to create a wealth-generating system for Black communities in Metropolitan Philadelphia which includes neighboring cities in New Jersey and Delaware. Regina launched two signature programs –Coaching to Capital cohort and a Peership series, to address disparities in Philadelphia’s Black population compared to its share of business ownership. Most notably, Hairston, a former lobbyist, was instrumental in lobbying Philadelphia City Council to take to vote a reduction in the Business Income & Receipts Tax (or BIRT), a double taxation of gross receipts and net income that is among the highest of any major U.S. city. For her stellar leadership, Hairston has been named one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s Women of Distinction 2022; City and State’s 2023 Power of Diversity: Black 100 List; Philadelphia Magazine’s 2021 Most Influential People in Philadelphia, Philadelphia Business Journal’s Power 100, and Metro Philadelphia’s Power Women list.

Our Mission

Our Vision

Taking responsibility and ownership of black businesses’ growth will expand the reach and presence of businesses throughout the region.

Access

The Coaching to Capital Program is a oneyear program that provides a select group of African American Chamber of Commerce (“AACC”) members with hands-on training, mentor-coaches and a banker/advisor to prepare that member to access the commercial lending market. Through the program, the AACC is rebuilding relationships between local banks and AACC members by evidencing how developing a strong banking relationship can strengthen a member’s business and support its growth.

Learn More at

https://aachamber.com/coachingtocapital/

to Capital allows black businesses to grow their business & reinvest into the communities they serve.

Tarik Brooks, Esq. Chair, Capital Consortium

In partnership with 6abc, the AACC convened with Black Mayors from around the country to share common challenges and strategies to support the growth and development of Black businesses. The information gathered from the participating Mayors will be used by regional thought leaders as a foundation for further dialogue and sustainable action plans

Watch Recap pictures and video: https://aachamber.com/national-convening-of-black-mayors/

AACC President Regina A. Hairston & Board Chair Jovan T. Goldstein pictured with 2023 Mayoral Participants, sponsors & host.

Presented by

BUSINESSMONTH EXP

In celebration of National Black Business Month, the AACC hosted its Inaugural expo on August 16, 2023 featuring workshops, vendors and empowerment speakers. The expo is designed to further the Chamber's goal to engage, enlighten and empower our members connecting them to real resources that will help them grow and sustain their businesses. In its first year, the AACC brought together over 400 participants and is looking forward to expanding its expo in August 2024

30th Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony

Anika Hawkins grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and is a proud graduate of Spelman College, magna cum laude. She started her career in the entertainment industry as an actress performing in stage plays, films, TV shows and commercials in New York and Philadelphia. As former intern at WPVI-TV, “Niki” (as she is known) freelanced in a myriad of different departments, working her way to become a full-time producer She spent the bulk of her career at 6abc as a writer/producer in the Programming and Public Affairs Departments. She produced a wide variety of long-form content for the weekly lifestyle show ‘FYI Philly’, a teen show, a high school football show, various hour-long specials, LIVE and live-to-tape broadcasts including the Philadelphia July 4th concerts and the 6abc Thanksgiving Day Parades, plus various city-wide events (for news coverage).

Today - in her role as Vice President of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships for WPVI-TV, Niki proudly represents the 6abc brand, and its parent company – The Walt Disney Company, in the Philadelphia, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Northern Delaware communities She builds strategic partnerships with non-profits, secures new linear and digital content, and presents new sponsorship opportunities for the Disney Advertising Team (Local) in the growing cause-related and corporate responsibility marketing field She works with the venerable Action News – the #1 Broadcast News program in the region for over 40 years –along with all 6abc departments identifying, creating and promoting diverse and inclusive community content. Niki conceives and executes new content for 6abc’s growing streaming and digital platforms, executive produces a half-hour hyper-local political talk show – Inside Story - that goes beyond the headlines, manages the PSA inventory, coordinates local and state-wide political debates, and plans several external events that celebrate local leaders during the various Heritage Months. Niki also coordinates various Walt Disney Company Corporate Responsibility campaigns and significant philanthropic giving, localizing those endeavors and making them resonate within the Philadelphia market.

She has worked with her local Spelman Alumnae Association to raise thousands for their endowed scholarship fund. She currently serves on the board of Philabundance Food Bank. She is member of the Forum of Executive Women and serves on the leadership council, nominating committee & gala committee for UNCF Philadelphia Anika is a member of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church and resides in Wynnewood, PA

PRESENTED BY

Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent J. Hughes is a leading progressive voice on local, state, and national issues. His colleagues elected him to be the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee in 2010 and he continues to bring proactive leadership to that role.

As a key member of the Senate’s Democratic leadership team, Senator Hughes is a champion for major policy issues such as expanding health insurance for the uninsured, raising the minimum wage, defending the right to vote, fighting for increased funding for public education, expanding housing options for working and low-income residents, and investing in young people.

As Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Hughes holds a major role in developing Pennsylvania’s annual budget, carefully guiding the state’s spending priorities. This year, Sen. Hughes fought for – and achieved –historic investments in education, public safety programs, and housing.

Senator Hughes is also a member of Cheyney University’s Council of Trustees. He and his family established the James Hughes Memorial Scholarship Fund, in honor of his late father, which has awarded more than $1 million in college scholarships to talented students who have overcome challenges and want to make a positive difference in the world.

The senator has been recognized locally and nationally for his work on HIV/AIDS, as well as his efforts to raise awareness on the challenges of mental and behavioral health in the African American community.

Senator Hughes is extremely dedicated to

The African American Museum in Philadelphia brings diverse communities together in greater appreciation of the Black experience through the combined narrative of art, culture and historical witness. The museum is an integral asset of the Philadelphia cultural landscape that makes a meaningful impact on visitor’s lives as they experience the stories of people of African descent through art, history and culture.

Dr. Ashley Jordan joined the African American Museum in Philadelphia as President & CEO in September 2021. Dr. Jordan, who most recently served as Senior Director of Development at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Ohio, brings significant experience managing and leading cultural institutions focused on memorializing and celebrating the African American experience in the United States.

Other career milestones include serving as Executive Director of the Evansville African American Museum in Indiana and curator for the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce, Ohio. Dr. Jordan earned her Ph.D. in United States History at Howard University in Washington, D.C., an M.A. in Public History from Howard University, and a B.A. in history from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. Dr. Jordan also the proud recipient of numerous professional,academic,and civic including the Pace Setter Award from the Association of African American Museums, the Black Excellence Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and multipledoctoral fellowships. And lastly, Dr. Jordan is a Presidential Appointee named by President Joseph Biden to serve as a board member for the National Museum and Library Services Board in Washington, D.C.

In the four decades since its creation, the African American Museum in Philadelphia has become a touchstone within the region’s cultural landscape, a premier destination that offers a unique perspective on the art, history and culture of African Americans and the African Diaspora. As a well-recognized educational resource and steward of a vast collection, the museum has embraced its crucial role in enlightening its visitors and inspiring children. Revising its Mission Statement in 2015, the museum stood at the threshold of a new era, reimagining AAMP as a vibrant center of cultural and artistic activity that elevates lives by awakening consciousness, provoking dialogue, and celebrating the unparalleled drama of the Black experience.

Donna Allie launched Team Clean, Inc. in the mid-1980s as a solopreneur and has grown the company to over seven hundred employees.

She founded the company on a shoestring, and it now serves a variety of clients in government, education, industry, professional offices, and sports and entertainment venues and events. Among the highlights of Team Clean, Inc.’s growth are clients such as the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia, the landmark National Constitution Center, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Over the past twenty-five years, Team Clean professionals have provided a full range of janitorial services customized to suit specific industry and business requirement

Throughout her nearly 40 years as an entrepreneur, Allie has developed a reputation as one of the region’s premier female business leaders. However, getting into the cleaning business is not what Allie meant to do. She originally went to Wilberforce University for sociology and vocational rehabilitation. She planned to attend graduate school for engineering so she could learn to make prosthetics. Her plans changed when she ended up having her daughter soon after graduating and had to move back to her hometown of Bryn Mawr, PA. Allie was on public assistance when she started cleaning houses for the rich people in the area.

As word spread about her skills and friendly

Felicia D. Williams is an innovative marketing and event strategist with over 10 years of proven experience.

Since graduating from Howard University in 2008, Felicia has lived and worked in New York City, the District of Columbia and Philadelphia, working with various nonprofit organizations to strengthen their impact through event production, brand strategy, and fundraising.

She founded HiTouch Enterprises in February 2016, a full service Event Production and Brand Strategy firm. Since its founding, Felicia has raised over $6 Million for nonprofits, planned over 300 events, festivals, seminars and youth programs, and led various strategic marketing and branding campaigns. Most notably, HiTouch produces the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival, Urban Affairs Coalition’s Anniversary Breakfast, and African-American Chamber of Commerce signature events, just to name a few.

Additionally, Felicia is a Partner in Magic Makers Marketing Collective, a marketing firm, founded by Britney Elayne Coleman, which produces experiences for the culture.

Felicia is also the Founder of GyngerTea ® a holistic wellness brand she created after undergoing heart surgery. GyngerTea prides itself in offering organic, all-natural tea blends sourced from the best tea farms around the world. Felicia is a sought after presenter on tea blending and candle making.

In addition to her professional career, Felicia works every day encouraging families, students and other leaders to use their voices to advocate for quality education, support small Black owned businesses, bring women to full equality and provide equal access to jobs and resources for minorities.

Felicia is Founder and President of the Influencing Action Movement (IAM), a nonprofit started in 2011 to provide mentorship to High School students and young adults. She is also immediate Past Chair of the Philadelphia Commission on Women, where she still serves as a member and serves as an ordained Deacon at Salem

Felicia pictured with IAM Student

On Tuesday, April 21, 2015, Supra Office Solutions, Inc. successfully completed the Acquisition of EMSCO Scientific Enterprises, Inc.

Based in Pennsylvania, SUPRA Office Solutions, Inc. (SUPRA) is an organically grown, independently operated, Office Products & Service Company (including Office Supplies, Paper, Technology, Janitorial, Break-room and Office Furniture, Delivery, Installation, Design/Layout & Project Management).

SUPRA was founded in June of 2011, and is the culmination and product of over 100 years of diverse business experience of its founders and key associates; in the areas of accounting, finance, marketing, IT Systems, customer service, management, taxation, and more specifically the Office Products and Service Industry. SUPRA brings to market a proven methodology of providing "Service Excellence" with their customers in the office products industry. SUPRA is a Small Business Enterprise, located in a HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) where it maintains office and warehouse space.

SUPRA is also a Tier-One Partner with Office Depot|Office Max. And, with its recent purchase of EMSCO Scientific Enterprises, Inc. (EMSCO), a 35 year old supplier of Medical, Laboratory & Pharmaceutical Supplies, Equipment and Chemicals. SUPRA has further diversified its product offering and National footprint.

SUPRA's officers possess a myriad of office products knowledge and experience. Lin Thomas, Ken Carter and Ismail Shahid have fostered a combined 60 year working relationship with major companies, suppliers, and trade associations in the office products industry, and have established a reputation for providing innovative ideas and processes to our national account base.

Since 1980, EMSCO Scientific Enterprises, Inc. has proudly provided high quality products and services at competitive prices, to the scientific community. Additionally, their customer service staff and knowledgeable sales team provide friendly, timely and personalized service to their national customer base.

WE SALUTE

The African-American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware (AACC) this year’s honorees

Independence Blue Cross is proud to support the AACC’s 30th Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony. We recognize AACC and all the honorees for their commitment to supporting African-American businesses in our region.

Independence remains steadfast in its support of individuals and community organizations dedicated to improving the lives and health of the people in our region.

Gregory E. Deavens, CPA*, CGMA, is president and chief executive officer for Independence Health Group (Independence), parent of Independence Blue Cross, one of the nation’s leading health insurers.

Under his leadership, Independence has been committed to advancing equitable, whole-person health care. This includes an emphasis on reducing racial and economic health inequities and integrating physical and behavioral health care. The organization also has focused on partnerships dedicated to reducing the cost of medications for the benefit of members and employer customers.

Mr. Deavens has been named to Savoy magazine’s Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America, Philadelphia magazine’s Most Influential People in Philadelphia, and Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare, among other honors. He also received the Excellence in Governance award from Modern Healthcare in recognition of his contributions as chair of the board of directors for Hartford HealthCare from June 2020 to June 2023.

He assumed the role of CEO at Independence in January 2021. Mr. Deavens joined the company in 2017 as executive vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer. Prior to that, he held senior financial roles at MassMutual, NY Life, Cigna, and GE Capital. He began his career in public accounting with Price Waterhouse, where he specialized in financial services while working in the firm’s New York, London, and St. Louis offices.

Mr. Deavens serves on the boards of Alegeus Technologies, America’s Health Insurance Plans, BCS Financial Corporation, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, Hartford HealthCare, National Institute for Health Care Management, and Quartet Health.

He also is on advisory boards for PNC Bank (Philadelphia Region) and Town Hall Ventures. As part of his responsibilities at Independence, he serves on the boards of Independence Health Group and its subsidiaries. In addition, Mr. Deavens serves as trustee of the Barnes Foundation, on the board of directors of the African American Museum in Philadelphia, and as an honorary trustee of the Amistad Center

He is a certified public accountant (CPA inactive)* and a member of the Executive Leadership Council, the National Association

Lorina Marshall Blake & Gregory Deveans

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