Bba dinner book 2014

and in recognition of

National Small Business Week

Celebrating in recognition of NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK which recognize the critical contributions of American entrepreneurs and small business owners along with BLACK MUSIC MONTH. African-American Music Appreciation Month is a celebration for African American Music every year in the month of June in the United States. It was originally started as Black Music Month by President Jimmy Carter, who on June 7, 1979, decreed that June would be the month of black music. Since then, presidents have announced to Americans to celebrate Black Music Month. For each year of his term, President Barack Obama has announced the observance under a new title, African-American Music Appreciation Month.

IN RECOGNITION OF BLACK MUSIC MONTH, THE BBA CELEBRATES THE "BUSINESS BEHIND THE MUSIC." A vital facet of African American life and commerce, black music touches all communities and it demonstrates an enduring impact on creating an economic stronghold for African American businesses. We thank you for joining us in honoring those who make black music happen, grow and thrive as a global brand.

Welcome to our 40th Annual Awards Dinner!

PAST HONOREES

YOUR LINK TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNERS CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

THE WHITE HOUSE

NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK, 2014 ------BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION Small businesses represent an ideal at the heart of our Nation's promise -- that with ingenuity and hard work, anyone can build a better life. They are also the lifeblood of our economy, employing half of our country's workforce and creating nearly two out of every three new American jobs. During National Small Business Week, we renew our commitment to helping these vital enterprises thrive.

From day one, my Administration has been focused on cultivating an environment where small businesses can succeed. During my rst term, we added 18 direct tax breaks for small businesses, including new tax credits for hiring unemployed workers and veterans and for investing in new equipment. Through the Small Business Administration (SBA), we have supported hundreds of thousands of loans. And to ensure small businesses have a voice in economic decisions, I elevated the Small Business Administrator to a Cabinet level position.

My Administration is also working to ease burdens on businesses. We cut in half the time it takes for the Federal Government to pay small business contractors, freeing up more resources for growth. To provide a boost to the smallest new businesses, we have eliminated SBA fees on loans under 150,000 dollars and waived fees for veterans who take out loans under 350,000 dollars. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, it is now easier for small business owners to purchase quality health insurance, and they are now eligible for tax credits that cover up to half of the cost of providing coverage for their employees. And we continue to implement patent reforms that are reducing the application backlog, protecting American intellectual property abroad, and helping entrepreneurs roll out their inventions sooner.

Yet we have more work to do. In the years to come, we must protect tax credits that help small businesses hire and add incentives for paying workers higher wages. We must ensure entrepreneurs -- even those who are not rich -- have the resources to take their businesses to the next level. Because if we create a more level playing eld, the best ideas will rise to the top, opportunity will ourish, and America will prosper.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 12 through May 16, 2014, as National Small Business Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the competitiveness of the American economy with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

YOUR LINK TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNERS CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH, 2014 ------BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION Our country is home to a proud legacy of African-American musicians whose songs transcend genre. They make us move, make us think, and make us feel the full range of emotion -- from the pain of isolation to the power of human connection. During AfricanAmerican Music Appreciation Month, we celebrate artists whose works both tell and shape our Nation's story.

For centuries, African-American music has lifted the voices of those whose poetry is born from struggle. As generations of slaves toiled in the most brutal of conditions, they joined their voices in faithful chords that both captured the depths of their sorrow and wove visions of a brighter day. At a time when dance floors were divided, rhythm and blues and rock and roll helped bring us together. And as activists marched for their civil rights, they faced hatred with song. Theirs was a movement with a soundtrack -- spirituals that fed their souls and protest songs that sharpened their desire to right the great wrongs of their time.

The influence of African-American artists resounds each day through symphony halls, church sanctuaries, music studios, and vast arenas. It fills us with inspiration and calls us to action. This month, as we honor the history of African-American music, let it continue to give us hope and carry us forward -- as one people and one Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2014 as African-American Music Appreciation Month. I call upon public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs that raise awareness and foster appreciation of music that is composed, arranged, or performed by African Americans.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

YOUR LINK TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNERS CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

Greetings

YOUR LINK TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNERS CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

Greetings

YOUR LINK TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNERS CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

Greetings

Greetings

Message from the Chairman and President Welcome to the Black Business Association’s (BBA) 40th Annual Awards Dinner. This year we come together to celebrate Black Music Month with spotlight on the “Business Behind the Music”in the spirit of and in recognition of National Small Business Week.

As one of the oldest active African American business organizations in the nation, the BBA continues to advocate for the positive growth and development of African American businesses and the community as a whole. With respect to the “Business behind Black Music” which is a vital facet of African American life and commerce that touches all communities and demonstrates an enduring impact on creating an economic stronghold for our businesses, the BBA would be remised if we didn’t recognize individuals, businesses and organizations that help sustain the Black Music industry as well as those who support small enterprises in general.

Gwen Moore Chairperson Black Business Association

Being able to recognize both National Small Business Week and Black Music Month affords the BBA the perfect opportunity to salute a combination of honorees this year: Chairman's Award - Dr. Iris Stevenson-McCullough, former Director of the Crenshaw High School Elite Choir; President's Award - Councilman Curren D. Price Jr., City of Los Angeles, District 9; Excellence in Music Empowerment Award - Charles Dickerson, Founder & Conductor of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles; Excellence in Music Entertainment Award - Roland Wirt, Music/Entertainment Entrepreneur; Financial Institution of the Year Award - East West Bank; Majority Corporation of the Year Award Northrop Grumman Corporation; and Utility Company of the Year Award - Golden State Water Company.

It's been an extremely challenging time for the BBA as we confront and meet many changes in the quest for progress during a time of larger nationwide and global challenges, however, we will continue to bring inspirational and productive people together and ensure that the BBA remains on the cutting-edge. We still have a ways to go, but we are excited about where we are headed.

Before we close, we would like to thank each of you for attending our Annual Awards Dinner.

You, as friends and organization leaders, have the vision, the knowledge, the wherewithal and the experience to help us continue to succeed in our path into the future. You are truly our greatest asset today and tomorrow and we could not accomplish what we do without your support and leadership. Our personal respect and thanks goes out to all of you.

Gwen Moore

Earl “Skip” Cooper II

Chairperson

President/ CEO

Earl “Skip” Cooper II President & CEO Black Business Association

YOUR LINK TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNERS CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

Board of Directors Chairman – Gwen Moore, GeM Communications, Inc. Secretary – Denise Peoples, Peoples Choice Staffing, Inc. Treasurer – Nathan Freeman, Figueroa Media Group, Inc. Lamar Lyons, Rideau Lyons & Company, Inc. Clarence Scott, Brandon Supply Corporation, Inc. Ted Davis, ISComp Systems, Inc. Zeke Patten, Patten Energy Enterprises, Inc.

Corporate Partners AEG American Honda Motor Co, Inc. AT&T Bank of America California Lottery Chevron Citi City National Bank Comerica Bank Department of Water & Power Donald Sterling Corporation EastWest Bank IBM HSBC JP Morgan Chase Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles World Airports

METRO Metropolitan Water District Northrop Grumman Corporation Raytheon Company Sempra Energy Southern California Edison Swinerton Builders The Boeing Company Turner Construction Company Union Bank US Bank Verizon Walt Disney Company WellPoint Wells Fargo Bank

YOUR LINK TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNERS CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

About the Black Business Association Since 1970, the Black Business Association (BBA), A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, headquartered in Los Angeles, has been instrumental in the incubation and development of thousands of African-American businesses. Nationally, we have access and influence with more than 100,000 African-American-owned and women/minority-owned firms via strategic alliances with more than 500 women/minority trade associations in more than 42 states nationwide.

Our Mission The Black Business Association’s mission is to advocate and promote the development of African-American owned businesses with the goal of creating a firm economic base that support the self-determination and survival of the African-American and urban community by: C Identifying and creating financial opportunities for the growth and stability of AfricanAmerican owned businesses; C Being a community voice that advocates for the success of small businesses; C Being a conduit for the merging of resources, values, profits, technology and people; C Promoting development and support of minority business enterprises within the domestic and international economies by encouraging and generating greater access to market opportunities and capital; C Providing training for entrepreneurial professional development; C Supporting and contributing to the economic base and progress of the African-American community; and C Developing coalitions that support our political endeavors to effectively achieve public recognition and political influence for African-American business owners.

Advocacy The Black Business Association maintains very effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials for the support of African-American business development. Locally, statewide and in Washington, DC, we are constantly aware of pending legislation that might affect our member’s businesses, their growth and even their ability to conduct business. When legislation is being considered that affects our mission, the BBA quickly mobilizes to work with key policy makers to support, defeat or modify the bill and pursue the BBA position.

As an organization, we are constantly at the helm, securing innovative means and policies that protect our constituency and their business interests.

Black Business Association Mailing Address: P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 Tel: (323) 291-9334 | Fax: (323) 291-7820 www.bbala.org | mail@bbala.org

Sponsors & Supporters DINNER CO-CHAIRS Freeman Alternative Resources

ALSO SUPPORTED BY

PARTIAL LISTING

Dinner Program INVOCATION

Dr. Jabari Cole Pastor, Judah's Lion Community MASTER OF CEREMONY

Dean L. Jones Director, Southland Partnership Corporation INTRODUCTION OF DAIS GUEST WELCOME

Gwen Moore Chairperson, Black Business Association

Earl “Skip” Cooper II President & CEO, Black Business Association SPECIAL REMARKS Special Guests AWARD PRESENTATIONS – PART ONE

- Dinner is Served AWARD PRESENTATIONS – PART TWO SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS CLOSING REMARKS

Gwen Moore DESSERT / NETWORKING RECEPTION

Featuring Desserts by BBA Members

Master of Ceremony

Dean L. Jones Director, Southland Partnership Corporation Dean L. Jones works to expand, retain and attract enterprise to the greater southern California region. He is a notable business and labor engagement advocate celebrating over 35 years of trustworthy executive management and strategic marketing services. He currently operates the Southland Partnership Corporation, a nonprofit economic development corporation.

As a Certified Purchasing Manager he has provided consulting services to diverse range of major corporations, such as Blue Cross of California, California Endowment, City of Compton, CA, City of Long Beach, CA, City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, City of Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative, Comerica Bank, First American Title Corporation, GTE, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Black Business Expo and Trade Show, Los Angeles Music Center, Los Angeles County Office of Education, Southern California Edison, and Verizon Communications.

Mr. Jones co-founded and manages a human resources job placement and career training collaborative of business, government, and educators that since 2001 has efficiently enhanced labor strategies for the Southern County of Los Angeles, California. The business model employed is the P.O.W.E.R. Collaborative Network (P.O.W.E.R. Promoting Opportunities With Essential Resources) that works to progress the human services delivery for community organizations in capacity building for workforce service providers. Under his management, this inter-professional network sponsors the www.IStartOnMonday.com community job and social services web site.

He works with the African American Engagement Collaboration that supports better integration processes between small and large corporations. The collaborative is comprised of the Black Business Association, California Black Chamber of Commerce and National Black Business Council that targets emerging suppliers to enhance their request for proposal responses through improved estimating techniques. The collaborative manages two web site; www.TheArtOfBidding.com and www.BlackSuppliers.com, each offering business tools to encourage, recruit and utilize black-owned and operated enterprises to supply products and services to major public and private organizations.

A second generation Angelino and Los Angeles Unified School District graduate, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration - Accounting from San Jose State University. He has received a range of recognition and distinction awards for his work in support of socioeconomic programs; noteworthy is a California State Legislature special recognition for his extensive service and contributions to the utilities' industry supplier inclusion efforts.

Chairman's Award

Professor Iris Stevenson–McCullough Former Director, Crenshaw High School Elite Choir Professor Iris Stevenson is known as an Evangelist, Concert Pianist, Vocal Coach, Composer and Educator. Iris began her musical journey at the age of three, when she began playing the piano and proceeded to write music one year later. Her parents were determined to help her succeed by making unprecedented sacrifices in order to allow her musical talent to flourish. “Professor” won many competitions especially while attending Villa Maria Institute of Music, one of the country’s first Fine Arts School, in Buffalo, New York. Iris continued on to Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she held both positions of student and teacher. During the course of time, she accomplished two careers; Concert Pianist and Educator simultaneously. Upon graduation, she joined the faculty of Canisius College in New York, taught at Riverside High School and Southside Middle School for Buffalo Public Schools, while receiving her Masters of Fine Arts in Pedagogy from the State University of New York at Buffalo. After ten years of this hectic schedule, Iris was recruited by the Los Angeles Unified School District to teach at Crenshaw High School in 1985 where she currently serves as the Chairperson of the Visual and Performing Arts Department. Through her obedient and devoted life to God, many lives have been touched, nurtured and changed.

Professor Stevenson serves as the Jurisdictional Minister of Music for the California Southwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of California under the anointed leadership of her Jurisdictional Prelate Bishop Hillrie Murphy. She also serves as the Minister of Music at the 88th Street Temple Church of God in Christ with her visionary Pastor, Superintendent Anthony L. Williams and Director of Music at Angeles Mesa Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Timm Cyrus. These Music Departments have enjoyed anointed growth and development of new programs designed to enhance individual and team ministry.

Because of the her emphasis on Global Ministry, Professor Stevenson has developed Cultural Exchange programs and Sharing through Common Ground experiences. Professor Stevenson’s music, in various genres and language, has been recorded and she has received Grammy and Emmy nominations. Her published works include the internationally acclaimed, “Yes, Lord!”Hymnal of the Church of God in Christ.

The Musical Career of Professor Iris Stevenson has become the "Footprints in the Sand" for others as she follows Christ.

In December of 1993, the movie SISTER ACT 2: Back in the Habit starring Whoopi Goldberg, was released. This movie was inspired by the life and music of our own Professor Iris Stevenson and the Crenshaw High School Elite Choir. There have been numberous documentaries including Madonna’s I AM BECAUSE WE ARE; Michael King and Charisse Reneau’s RAPPIN’ WITH SHAKESPEARE and Wataru Ezaki’s ANGEL’S FLIGHT for Fujisankei TV. She began writing commercially for local television in Buffalo, New York. Professor Stevenson channelled her gift of composition, comedy and theatre into Gospel Music Theatre. King’s Troupe her multi-talented theatrical Ensemble, performed her tour production of “PETRA”which was commissioned by Light Records, premiered in Buffalo and traveled throughout the USA and Canada. Professor Stevenson received an offer to open an off-Broadway production after a succesful preBroadway tour.

Professor Stevenson Presented a Paper to the Sorbonne in Paris on the phenomenal music of the Crenshaw High School and the Church of God in Christ. “They Wanted The Fire” documented the historical musical aspects and influence on Europe during the "April in Paris" International Music Conference. The Ministry of Education in France expanded their curriculum in 1999 to include Professor Stevenson in their teaching segments and televised Master classes for French educators who were teaching Urban Youth. The most notable honor commemorating her work has been the naming of a Fine Arts building in Tarare, France for Iris Stevenson by the Ministry of Education of France under the leadership of President Jacques Chirac. Ironically, two buildings on the Crenshaw High School campus were named the Iris Stevenson Wing.

Professor Stevenson was inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum housed in Detroit, Michigan in 2006. Later, the African Diaspora of Sacred Music & Musicians through Hansonia Caldwell honored Professor Stevenson as a Living Legend in 2009.

Crenshaw Elite Choir performed by invitation at the White House Reception for President Barack Obama on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 after he returned from the State Funeral for President and Civil Rights Activist Nelson Mandela. We received the honor of being the Photo of the Day. Best Friends, Elder George McCullough and Professor Iris Stevenson were married on August 3, 2013. She is known as Professor Iris Stevenson McCullough.

President's Award

Councilman Curren D. Price Jr. City of Los Angeles, District 9

Born and raised in South Los Angeles, Curren D. Price Jr. was elected to represent the Ninth Council District of Los Angeles on July 1, 2013, bringing to the job diverse professional experience and more than two decades of committed public service.

From his days on the Inglewood City Council, to his time in the State Legislature, Price has earned a reputation for being a strong supporter of small and minority business owners and economic development, as well as being a dedicated advocate for working class families.

Now, returning home to the “New Ninth”, Price is coupling his private sector experience with his decades of public service to bring positive change and economic development to the South Los Angeles district. In his first year in office, Price has managed to increase key core services to the community, tackling blight in the area with a targeted “Clean and Green” initiative and expanding much needed green space in the area.

As Chair of the City's Economic Development Committee, Price is fighting to make sure all Angelenos have a chance to succeed. Price is advocating for policies that help the city maximize all opportunities to attract more good paying jobs and responsible economic development to the region. Price also sits on the City's Housing, Public Works and Arts, Parks, Aging and River Committees as well as the Ad-Hoc Committee on Film and Television where he is working to reform city policies and introduce new ones that help improve the quality of life for all residents in the City.

The son of working class parents, Price attended Normandie Avenue Elementary School, in the Ninth District, and and Audubon Junior High before his family moved to Inglewood. There, Price attended Morningside High, where he would become the first African-American Student Body President of the school just as the campus began experiencing integration. Diligent in his studies, Price earned a full scholarship to Stanford University, where he would graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. Price also received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Santa Clara, School of Law. After graduation, Price went to work in the private sector, first in export management and later in the satellite communication industry. But in 1989, Price would return to Los Angeles, driven by a desire to give back to his community. Price served as aide to two South LA City Councilmembers, he worked to provide economic development training and assistance to community-based organizations in the South LA area and he also taught Political Science at Southwest College.

Price was elected to the Inglewood City Council in 1993, where he served for nearly a decade over the course of various terms and worked on key budget and economic revitalization efforts. In 2006, Price was elected to the California State Assembly to represent the 51st District, where he served as the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Elections and Redistricting as well as the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization. And then, in 2009, Price won the special election to represent the 26th District in the State Senate, which includes the communities of West Los Angeles, Culver City and the Ninth District. During his tenure in the Senate, Price chaired a number of committees including the Business and Professions Committee and the Legislative Joint Committee on the Arts. Price was also chosen by his colleagues to lead the California Legislative Black Caucus, as Chair, in 2010.

An avid traveler and art collector, Price has visited several countries in Europe, the Caribbean and Africa. He is married to long-time business woman and community activist Del Richardson.

Together, they have raised two kids and are the proud grandparents of three. They are proud residents of the New Ninth.

Majority Corporation of the Year Award

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide.

We hold ourselves to a higher standard, both in the products we deliver and in the way we conduct ourselves throughout the entire customer experience. Because, after all, we are in the business of securing a great deal more than just our place in the market.

Our mission is to be at the forefront of technology and innovation, delivering superior capability in tandem with maximized cost efficiencies. The security solutions we provide help secure freedoms for our nation as well as those of our allies. Squarely meeting our obligations, fiscally and technologically, isn't just a business goal, but a moral imperative. To that end, as we evolve as a company, the responsibility we feel for our country and the citizens and troops we help support grows with us.

At Northrop Grumman, global corporate responsibility is a key component of our business and operating strategies. We take pride in conducting our business with a broad perspective, taking into account our customers, our employees, our shareholders, and the environment and communities in which we operate.

As we continue to grow as a company, we remain committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards, embracing diversity and becoming an ideal corporate citizen. We do so by implementing our core values: taking responsibility for the quality we put forth, delivering customer satisfaction, demonstrating leadership as a company and as individuals, acting with integrity in all we do, valuing our people, and regarding our suppliers as essential team members.

Excellence in Music Empowerment Award

Charles Dickerson Founder & Conductor Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles Charles Dickerson (Chuck) is Music Director and Conductor of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA) (2009-present) and Director of Music at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church (RHUMC) (2005-present). He formerly served as Music Director and Conductor of The Southeast Symphony (2004-2011), and as Director of Music at Holman United Methodist Church (1996-2005).

ICYOLA is an orchestra of approximately 100 middle school, high school, and college students that Chuck formed in 2009 to provide inner city youth from the various communities of Greater Los Angeles with the opportunity to learn the great music of the world, and to perform that music on the great stages of the world. The orchestra performs a season of music every year that concludes with a concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. In addition to its regular concert season, the orchestra has performed for many notable community and national events, including a private performance for First Lady Michelle Obama, a performance for the unveiling of the Memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the National Mall in Washington DC, and a performance that served as Los Angeles County's Official Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s epic “I Have a Dream”Speech.

Chuck's responsibilities at RHUMC include oversight of the entire music program at the church, including direction of the 40-voice Chancel Choir. During Chuck's tenure, the church has begun – and now maintains – two concert series, including a holiday season series that has seen performances of the Mozart, Faure, Durufle, Brahms and Rutter Requiems, Handel's Messiah, Mozart's Grand Mass in C Minor, and a variety of other noted works. While at Holman, Chuck maintained the long-running Annual Negro Spirituals Concert featuring the 80-voice Holman Choir.

His orchestral credits include appearances with the Bakersfield Symphony, the Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, and the Bowling Green State University Philharmonia.

Chuck is also a noted composer. His best-known composition is “I Have a Dream”, a choral and orchestral setting of the landmark 1963 speech of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lincoln Memorial.

This piece was performed for the memorial unveiling ceremonies and the 50th Anniversary Concerts described above. The 50th Anniversary Concert featured a chorus of 150. His orchestral and choral arrangement of “We Shall Overcome”is also widely known and performed.

Chuck holds a Masters Degree in Conducting from California State University, Los Angeles. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of The Conductor's Guild, an international society of conductors. He also holds degrees from Howard University (B.S.) and American University (J.D.).

He is a member of the State Bar of California having formerly served as City Attorney of the City of Inglewood, California, and as President of the Board of Public Works of the City of Los Angeles. He is married and has two adult children. He is an avid baseball fan.

Financial Institution of the Year Award

East West Bancorp is a publicly owned company with $27.4 billion in assets and is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “EWBC�. The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, East West Bank, is one of the largest independent banks headquartered in California. East West is a premier bank focused exclusively on the United States and Greater China markets and operates over 130 locations worldwide, including in the United States markets of California, Georgia, Nevada, New York, Massachusetts, Texas and Washington. In Greater China, East West's presence includes a full service branch in Hong Kong and representative offices in Beijing, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Taipei and Xiamen. Through a wholly-owned subsidiary bank, East West's presence in Greater China also includes full service branches in Shanghai and Shantou and a representative office in Guangzhou. East West Bank is the nation's largest certified minority financial institution. For more information on East West Bancorp, visit the Company's website at www.eastwestbank.com.

Excellence in Music Entertainment Award

Roland Wirt Music/Entertainment Entrepreneur

Roland Wirt has experienced a great deal of success and achievement in the entertainment industry, with a particular interest in the recording industry. In May 1982, Roland Wirt started The Network Connection™ (TNC), a sole proprietorship of which he is President and CEO. Under TNC, he has promoted numerous nightclubs and concerts in and around the Los Angeles, CA area. Roland Wirt has created a prominent name for himself within the promotion arena.

Roland Wirt promoted the following nightclubs: Hollywood Athletic Club (Hollywood, CA), the Historic Maverick's Flat (Los Angeles, CA), and Hollywood Live (Hollywood, CA). Under the subsidiary of RAM/Star Productions™, Roland Wirt promoted the Cicada (Downtown Los Angeles, CA), Dancerteria (Hollywood, CA), the world famous Golden Tale ( El Segundo, CA), and many others.

A civic leader with strong creative knowledge and intuition, Roland Wirt can forecast the trends and changes in the flow of today's entertainment industry. Yet, he remains steadfast and committed to the community in making and keeping peaceful change. He sponsors annually a Christmas toy drive benefiting under-privileged children in the Los Angeles area in addition to his annual birthday party, Christmas In July An All White Affair benefiting the Khocolate Keepsakes Program, a children's literacy program. This annual event is Hosted by Al and Susan Jeareau, Howard Hewett and Vanessa Bell Calloway and features artists such as, Howard Hewett, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Chante Moore, and many more. As a founding member of the Gathering Place, a hospice mothers and children with AIDS, with Denzel and Pauletta Washington, Roland Wirt has combined his compassion for others with his experience as a community activist and has continued to raise funds for the fight against AIDS. Under the umbrella of former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, in conjunction with Tavis Smiley, Roland Wirt started the LA's Young Black Professionals.

Having sponsored concerts throughout the Los Angeles area, featuring Jazz, R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop, and Gospel artists, Roland Wirt has established himself within the entertainment and recording industry promoting such artists as George Duke, Gerald Albright, Miki Howard, Loose Ends, Soul II Soul, Tony!

Toni! Tone`!, Yo-Yo, Earth Wind and Fire, Philip Bailey, Smokie Norful, Jay Moss, Tony Terry, and Take 6, just to name a few. Roland Wirt has been lauded by former President George Bush for his tireless work in the Los Angeles census with the slogan “You Count”.

Roland Wirt has given and continues to give in and of himself selflessly. He has been and continues to be an established and steering committee and community member and leader.

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Utility Company of the Year Award

American States Water Company is the parent of Golden State Water Company and American States Utility Services, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, AWR provides water service to 1 out of 36 Californians located within 75 communities throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California. The Company also distributes electricity to approximately 23,250 customers in the Big Bear recreational area of California via Bear Valley Electric Services. Through its Contracted Services subsidiary, American States Utility Services Inc., the Company provides operations, maintenance and construction management services for water and wastewater systems located on military bases throughout the country.

Golden State Water Company is a public utility in California and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American States Water Company. The company is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the California Department of Public Health and the California Public Utilities Commission.

Golden State Water values customer input and appreciates the influence customers and all stakeholders have in the ratemaking and regulatory process.

55% of the water GSWC delivers to our customers comes from owned groundwater and surface water sources. About 45% is purchased from other water providers, principally member agencies of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD).

MWD receives a significant amount of their water from the California State Water Project (SWP).

GSWC are accountable to state and federal regulators to ensure rates are fair. Our rates are established to recover our operating cost on a dollar for dollar basis, without profit. As an investor owned utility, shareholders provide an important source of capital that allows Golden State Water Company to make needed system investments and improvements for the benefit of our customers. Being a profitable company ensures a lower investment cost and a solid funding source for infrastructure improvements. Regulatory agencies, such as the California Public Utilities Commission, authorize a rate of return to our shareholders for bearing the risk of providing investment capital to finance needed capital improvements.

Golden State Water Company is dedicated to providing equal opportunity to all potential business partners. It is the policy of Golden State Water to encourage and afford opportunities to diverse suppliers including, but not limited to, Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBEs), while simultaneously ensuring the best combination of quality, service and price is provided in accordance with the highest ethical and professional standards.

GSWC's corporate office is located San Dimas, CA. At Golden State Water Company, it has been all about water for more than 80 years.

GeM Communications is proud to support the Black Business Association’s 40th Annual Awards Dinner We would also like to congratulate all the honorees.

Gwen Moore President & CEO GeM Communications, Inc.

General Engineering Contractor License # 534908

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Freeman Alternative Resources, Inc. offers a full range of screened, qualified and professional consulting, technical, para-technical and engineering personnel.

We maintain competitive rates through an unique and innovative program that provides a broad range of services while minimizing overhead.

We provide personnel for either temporary or long-term assignments.

TEL: 949-650-0667 FAX: 949-650-1251 mail@freemanaltres.com 881 Dover Drive, Suite 200 Newport Beach, CA 92663 An equal opportunity employer

BRANDON SUPPLY CORPORATION SERVING THE INDUSTRY and the TRADE PIPE - VALVES - FITTINGS - METALS - TOOLS PROCESS CONTROLS - INSTRUMENTATION - WATER WORKS

Brandon Supply Corporation is a world class distributor of industrial supplies.

Brandon has been proven to be a dependable source of supply to the petrochemical, power generation and waterworks industries providing fast and reliable service.

Brandon, in maintaining the policy of selling only superior products, represents only the nation's top manufacturers.

SBA CERTIFIED We offer a full range of valves for all piping applications, pressure tubing in all sizes and schedules, a complete line of fittings, flanges and couplings in all metallurgies.

We also offer a full range in PVC, HDPE and other materials.

Clarence D. Scott, CEO CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 14120 Gannet Street Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 5354 Buena Park, CA 90623

Phone: 562-921-0407 | FAX: 562-921-5945 800.238.5906 (Outside California) www.brandonsupply.com | cdavis@brandonsupplycorp.com

2010 Black Business Association Member of the Year ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

We proudly honor the extraordinary efforts of the Black Business Association and all of the honorees of the 40th Annual Awards Dinner.

Citi is proud to support the 40th Annual Black Business Association Awards Dinner.

We congratulate the Black Business Association for their outstanding efforts in the small business community.

Congratulations to the

Black Business Association and to all of this year’s honorees at the Black Business Association’s 40th Annual Awards Dinner

Donald T. Sterling President, Donald T. Sterling Corporation

The California Black Chamber of Commerce congratulates all of this year’s honorees and Award Winners CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

MAJORITY CORPORATION OF THE YEAR AWARD

Dr. Iris Stevenson – McCullough Hon. Curren D. Price Jr. Former Director, Crenshaw High School Choir

Councilman, City of Los Angeles District 9

Northrop Grumman Corporation

EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC EMPOWERMENT EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR AWARD AWARD AWARD

Charles Dickerson

Roland Wirt

Founder & Conductor Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles

Music/Entertainment Entrepreneur

East West Bank

UTILITY COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARD

Golden State Water Company

You are cordially invited to attend our 2014 Ron Brown Business and Economic Summit Los Angeles Airport Marriott - 5855 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045 August 21-23, 2014 Register Today at calbcc.org

Aubry Stone

916.463.0177

President & CEO

www.calbcc.org

TOP OF THE LINE COMMUNICATIONS Specializing in audio and video productions since 1991 TOP OF THE LINE COMMUNICATIONS (TTLC) is backed by a creative and talented team of producers, directors, writers, camera staff, graphic designers and audio specialists to give every client TOP OF THE LINE Quality.

Video Production TTLC excels in complete video production, including script writing, coordination, directing, shooting, editing, graphics and distribution.

AUDIO SOUND REINFORCING CONCERTS MEETINGS LECTURES

AUDIO/VIDEO EQUIPMENT RENTAL

Video Editing TTLC provides editing expertise you won't find at any other production company...years of experience, creative execution, efficiency and reliability.

PLAYS/RECITALS FOCUS GROUPS TRAINING PRESENTATIONS DOCUMENTARIES WEDDINGS SPORTING EVENTS

CLIENTS

Graphics Rely on TTLC to add exciting titles, charts, graphs, logo treatments and animation to your video presentations.

BLACK BUSINESS ASSOCIATION BSI CARSON HILTON CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST LAS VEGAS DDC UNLIMITED E-WAYNE DIGITAL STUDIOS JCT PRODUCTIONS PACIFIC COAST REGIONAL CORP PERSONAL SERVICES PLUS

10015 DESERT MALLOW, MORENO VALLEY, CA 92557-2842 TEL: 951.242.0333 | FAX: 951.242.0808 | TOLL FREE: 888.854.8852 | TCRICHARD1@MSN.COM

SILVER DOLLAR PRODUCTIONS Broadcast Sales & Services Audio / Visual Cinema Photography Broadcasting Video Taping Commercial Photography Wedding - Conference - Expo Audio Engineering - Silk Screening CD/DVD Tape Duplication Digital Videotaping Cinema Photography and more...

(323) 290-1423 / (323) 839-1745 Email: sdpservice@yahoo.com www.silverdollarproduction.biz

CC-OPS wishes a sincere congratulations to the Black Business Association and all of this year’s Honorees and Award Winners.

Congratulates

on receiving this year’s

Financial Institution of the Year Award

Presents…

How to Set A Spectacular Table!

Do you Love to Entertain & Host Dinner Parties…

But Your Table Setting does not have that WOW...Jaw Dropping Look?!

Want to receive Rave Reviews from Your Guest?

Let me show you how!

Learn to...

Create Ambiance | Mix Colors | Use Patterns | Make Napkin Rings | Find Upscale Chair Covers Choose Exquisite Linens | Create Centerpieces | Use all the Tabletop Accessories You've Collected Find Plate Chargers in Every Color Imaginable | Decorate Chairs | Create A Theme Dinner Party Linda Patterson, Founder & Event Designer of Dazzle & Design will teach you How to Think Shop and Decorate like a Professional Event Designer! Read more about Linda on reverse side...

Register for Table Setting Class at www.dazzleanddesigndecor.com Lunch, Door Prizes, Goodie Bags!

When: Sat – June 28 and July 19 9:30AM – 12:30PM

Where:

LL's Consignment Boutique 1205 N. LaBrea Avenue Additional Classes/Venues coming soon Inglewood, CA 90302

Class Fee: $60.00 Pay Pal & All Major Credit Cards

Mention the BBA when you attend the June 28 class Get a $20 Gift Certi icate -Good toward Dazzle & Design future classes (Expires 12/2014) For More Information, call Linda at 310-774-6537 or Email me at linda@dazzleanddesign.com

The L.A. Hotel Downtown Welcomes the BBA and the 40th Annual Awards Dinner.

Event Promotion at its Best!

Los Angeles’ leading eblast service for community events.

Reach more than 23,000 subscribers!

Other services provided: Graphic Design Website Development Event Registrations

Sarah R. Harris President/Publisher

Contact us today for rates and information: events@suiteevents.com 323.988.7290

New Website & Services coming this Summer!

Congratulations

Roland Wirt, You are the best and deserve more!

YOUR LINK TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNERS CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

Acknowledgments The Black Business Association wishes to thank the following organizations, companies and individuals who contributed to the success of our

40th Annual Awards Dinner IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS EastWest Bank | Narishima Osei |Nestle Chocolates | Ross Stores | US Bank | Wells Fargo OUR SINCERE THANKS TO: SuiteEvents House of Phallu California Flower International Dazzle & Design DB International Lion Communications Bo Jangles Signs LA Business Printing Marvelous Marvin Little Lambs Hyatt Regency Hotel

Sarah Harris (323) 988-7290 Phallu Morgan (909) 568-3305 Curtis Simpson (323) 778-2272 Linda Patterson (310) 774-6537 Dennis DeLoach (323) 253-8918 La Sandra Stratton (773) 891-1462 Robert Hollis (310) 902-0252 Eric Johnson (310) 649-5855 Marvin L. Jones (310) 477-2030 Yolanda Gilliam James Long

Gwen's Specialty Cakes Harriett's Cheesecakes Romeo's Full Service Catering Kobbler King Chef Marilyn's 3D Delights

Gwen (310) 677-9979 Jackie (310) 419-2259 Crystal McPherson (310) 733-9997 Brian McMillian (323) 731-9286 Chef Marilyn (323) 737-8101 DeLinda Jones (951) 322-9748

Graphic Design Creative Director Event Décor Decorations Award Framing Communications Signs & Banners Printing Entertainment Administrator Catering Manager

DESSERT RECEPTION Cakes Cheesecakes Cake, Pies & Cookies Clobbers Bread Pudding Chocolate Cover Strawberries

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO PRODUCTION Photography by Foxx Media Group Majeed Photo Synthesis Top of the Line Communications

Ian Foxx (323) 868-2621 Sabir Majeed (323) 270-3731 T.C. Richard (951) 242-0333

Photographer Photographer Video Production

VOLUNTEERS Xavier L. Harris | William E. Martin | Kimberly Anthony | Kim Genell |Ace McKissic | Solé Joseph

BLACK BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Earl “Skip” Cooper II – President & Chief Executive Officer Phallu Morgan – Marketing/IT Director Patricia A. Basquez – VP of Operations/Dessert Reception Coordinator (323) 291-9334 – mail@bbala.org – www.bbala.org

Thank you for joining us today, and we look forward to your continued support.