The Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce Presents
A Royal Bridgerton Inspired Gala
A CALL TO BLACK EXCELLENCE
Music Hall | Cincinnati, OH
Saturday November 2nd, 2024
Our Mission
Establish, cultivate, and strengthen consumer and business relationships; provide access to major corporate and government markets for our members to help increase business opportunities; aid in the professional development of our members; and assist in developing strategic partnerships and alliances for the purpose of strengthening and growing the African American business community
Our History
The African American Chamber of Commerce’s history is rooted in the contributions of pioneers like Ernie Waites and Horace Sudduth, who inspired its vision of supporting Black businesses. Officially formed in 1996, the Chamber was initially proposed to Stan Broadnax of Operation Bootstrap, with early support from Chuck Futel, Dorien Nunez, Courtis Fuller, and Steve Reece.
Key partners like Huntington Bank helped secure its building, Kenneth Price established its technical foundations, and Eric Kearney drafted the bylaws. Organizers and leaders, including Wenona Johnson, Craig Edwards, and early board chairs, guided its growth, while capital benefactors Ross Love and Clifford Bailey fueled expansion. Gene Ellington’s steadfast support remains a cherished part of the Chamber’s legacy.
James Clingman
Founder of AACC a strong advocate of economic empowerment for African Americans.
The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1996 by a group of Black business owners and consumers seeking to improve the economic status of the African American community. It is the largest such chamber in the State of Ohio. The vision was to form an organization to: advocate on behalf of emerging and established businesses, help to create new market opportunities, and provide access to capital, and revitalize communities. The Chamber is committed to inclusion as well as business development focused on advocacy and building capacity.
Planning Committee
Erica White - Committee Chair
Garri Davis - Commitee Co-Chair
Briston Mitchell - Gala/Event Coordinator
Chris Owens - Silent Auction Coordinator
Jaz Treadwell - Silent Auction Coordinator Assistant
James Pullins - Marketing Designer
Zoe Carney - Social Media Marketer
Dr.Valencia Moses - Communications
Gregory Parker - Sponsorship Coordinator
Chloe Hill - Volunteer Coordinator
Brandi Colvin - Event Logistics
Tonight’s Program
Our Sponsors
Eric H. Kearney & Jan-Michele Kearney Gold
Welcome Messages
Welcome
Eric H. Kearney President & CEO
Greater Cincinnati & Northern
Kentucky
African American Chamber of Commerce
These annual AACC galas - celebrations of the accomplishmaents of Black-owned businesses - are good points to evaluate ourselves and our community. The AACC is fortunate (through the outstanding work of its talented team and board) to be recognized by Ohio Business Magazine as the best Chamber of Commerce in Ohio. The Greater Cincinnati Community has one of our country’s strongest business ecosytems. Combined it is clear and beyond dispute that this is the time for Black Businesses to grow!
This year’s theme, inspired by the elegance and grandeur of Bridgerton, allows us to celebrate not just our achievements, but also the richness of Black culture and heritage. Just as Bridgerton reimagines historical narratives, we too honor our stories, triumphs, and the vibrant tapestry of our community. And besides it’s fun sometimes to get dressed up!!!
Tonight, we gather to recognize the resilience, creativity, and spirit that define our small businesses. Each of you plays a vital role in shaping our narrative, empowering us to create opportunities that elevate our community and foster economic growth.
Let this evening be a celebration of our accomplishments and a reminder of the power we hold when we come together. As we enjoy the festivities and the inspiring stories shared tonight, let us also look forward to the future we are building together.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for being part of this unforgettable journey. Let’s make this gala a night to remember!!!
Welcome
Welcome to the 2024 African American Chamber of Commerce Bridgerton-Inspired Gala! It is an honor to stand before you as Chair of the Board of Directors.
Tonight promises to be an enchanting celebration of elegance and empowerment. We gather to honor extraordinary individuals whose remarkable contributions reflect the unity and strength of our community. Much like Bridgerton, we celebrate the richness of our culture and the stories that shape us.
Your presence here tonight is a testament to your commitment to making Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky a thriving hub for African American businesses. Thank you for joining us in this celebration!
Shannon Lawson Board Chair African American Chamber
Erica White-Johnson Board Vice Chair African American Chamber
As the board Co-Chair and Gala Committee Chair, I am delighted to welcome you to the 2024 Bridgerton-Inspired Gala, an evening of elegance and celebration. A heartfelt thank you to our remarkable vendors whose dedication has brought this vision to life, and to our committee members for their tireless efforts in perfecting every detail.
Tonight, we celebrate the vital role of supporting local Black-owned businesses that drive our community’s growth and embody our entrepreneurial spirit. Much like Bridgerton, we honor the richness of our culture and the stories that unite us. Let’s make this Gala a night to remember, strengthening Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky as a thriving hub for African American excellence.
Join us in reaching our gala fundraising goal! Your donation will directly impact the programs and services we offer to small business owners in our community. Scan the QR Code or Visit the link on your phone! https://square.link/u/0wxmco2F
The Honorees
Leaving A Legacy
Dr. Melvin Gravely is an active civic and business leader having served on and led multiple community boards including the former co-chair of the Cincinnati Regional Business Committee, the former chair of the Greater Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, a former board member of the Cincinnati Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI), Drake Hospital, Artswave, Downtown Cincinnati Inc., Thomas More College and the United Way of Southwest Ohio.
He is also an experienced corporate board member having served as the past chair of Spring Grove Funeral Homes for 10 years, and currently as a member of the board of New Riff Distillery. Mel is also an engaged member of multiple boards of advisors of privately held companies around the nation.
Leaving A Legacy
Robie Suggs Warsaw Federal Savings & Loan President & CEO
Robie K. Suggs is President and CEO of Warsaw Federal, an independent mutual bank and Minority Depository Institution based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Previously, Robie served as Chief Lending Officer of the Cincinnati Development Fund. She also held the roles of VP, Strategic Partnerships, and VP, Economic Development and Community Outreach at First Financial Bank. Further, she held positions of increasing responsibility with the former National City Bank and Provident Bank.
Mel Gravely ll Triversity Construction Executive Chair
Chairman’s Award
Marty Dunn serves on Dinsmore’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors, chairs the firm’s Diversity Council, and leads economic development projects through strategic alliances. He is an outside general counsel for large and closely held companies, with extensive experience in commercial real estate and structured finance transactions, including tax credits. Marty was the first African-American managing partner of a Cincinnati law firm. He chairs the Freestore Foodbank board and co-chairs the Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio’s Development Committee. A native Cincinnatian, he is married to Renee Dunn, and they have two adult children, Alyssa and Cameron.
Emerging Leader
Kai Lewars Kaiker Development & Construction Principal/Founder
Kai Lewars always had a passion for construction, which led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and study Construction Engineering Management at Oregon State University. After years in the industry, he relocated to Cincinnati in 2016, following his father’s advice to grow in the real estate development market. With no prior connections, Kai built his portfolio and began offering construction management services. After gaining experience with large projects, he launched his own company in 2021. In his free time, Kai enjoys traveling, sports, music festivals, and spending time outdoors with family, friends, and his dogs.
Martiné (“Marty”) R. Dunn Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Partner
Corporate Impact Excellence Award
Stephanie A. Smith Fifth Third Bank
Senior Vice President & Chief Inclusion Officer
Nathaniel Lampley Jr.
Vorys, Sater, Seymour, and Pease LLP
Managing Partner
Damon Jones leads efforts to position the world’s largest consumer goods company, P&G, as one of the most trusted global brands. He oversees a consumer-focused communications organization and an equality-driven citizenship agenda across 180+ countries. Jones and P&G are known for their leadership in advocacy-based campaigns promoting equality for women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other underrepresented groups. His work has earned multiple Silver Anvils, Cannes Lions, and Emmy nominations. As a key figure in socially responsible business strategies, Jones spearheaded impactful campaigns like “Widen the Screen,” which promotes equity in film and media. A recognized thought leader, he has contributed to conversations at Cannes, CES, and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Jones has received numerous accolades for his contributions to equality, inclusion, communications, and marketing, and serves as a strategic advisor to various educational and advocacy organizations.
A dynamic executive in the financial services industry, with extensive expertise in inclusion, diversity, equity, supplier diversity, strategic planning, change management, and client relationship management. Known for the ability to build strong relationships with employees, suppliers, and community organizations. Led Fifth Third Bank’s six bold diversity goals in 2020 and oversees the execution of strategies for inclusion councils, business resource groups, and enterprise-wide ESG initiatives. Recognized by the National Diversity Council as a Top 50 Chief Diversity Officer (2020) and Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Women in Corporate America (2019). As Chief Inclusion Officer and former Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer at Fifth Third, she helped the bank earn accolades, including being named a top corporation for women-owned companies by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council. Her specialties include credit analysis, philanthropy, risk management, and human-centered design.
Nathaniel Lampley, Jr. is the managing partner of the Cincinnati office of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP, a full-service law firm with nearly 400 lawyers. His practice focuses on complex and commercial litigation. Recognized as an Ohio Super Lawyer in Litigation every year since 2004, he has also received the University of Cincinnati College of Law Distinguished Alumni Award and was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, representing the top 1% of litigators in North America. Nathaniel has been married to Paula Davis Lampley, Director of Women in Engineering at the University of Cincinnati, since 1992. They have two sons: Dr. Nathaniel Lampley III, a Dermatology Resident at George Washington University, and Hunter Lampley, a Technology professional at Fifth Third Bank with a Master’s in Business and Data Analytics from Loyola University.
Damon Jones Procter & Gamble Chief Communications Officer
2023
Former Black Business Hall of Fame Inductees
Cedric Charles Newberry Meineke Car Care Franchise
Tracey Artis I Hear Music Inc.
John & Stephanie Harmon Market Direct Inc.
Sherry Sims Black Career Women’s Network
Means Cameron BlaCk Owned & BLaCK Coffee Lounge
2022 Alma Cochran AJL Group
Monroe Barnes MBJ Consultants
Laura Carr LA Carr Communications
Emmett Drane Diversified Facilities Solutions
David & Guinette Kirk DNK Architects
Troy Parker Innovative Labor & Cleaning Services
2021
Carolyn Wallace Perfect Brew & Promoter, It’s Commonly Jazz
Carol Ruffin Blossoms Florist
Gail Billings Edibles-n-Such
Jusdon Pickard Pickard Enterprises
Barbara Smith Journey Steel
Marvin Smith
Ollie’s Trolley
2020
Angelita Moreno Jones Eastern Personnel Services
Robert Humphries Miss Black Cincinnati Pageant
Jessie & Iris Roley RoSho Awards
2018
Cynthia Booth COBCO Enterpirses/McDonalds
Calvin Buford Dinsmore & Shohl
Karen Cooper Onebridge
Howard Elliot Elliot Management Group
Clarence Howell
Clarence Howell Shoe Repair
2017 Howard Bond Executech
Steve Hightower Hightowers Petroleum Co.
Cookie & Duane Hudson
Hudson Brothers Dry Cleaners
Devan Johnson Incredible Creations Beauty & Barber Salon
Dr. Chesterr Pryor II MD
Dr. Janet Reid BRBS World
Patrice Baughman Borders, Esq. AmplifyEI Founder & CEO
Patrice Baughman Borders, JD, is the Founder and CEO of AmplifyEI™, a prominent keynote speaker, leadership coach, and expert in emotional intelligence and workplace transformation. Known as the EI Amplifier™, she has over two decades of experience helping organizations develop emotionally intelligent leadership. By integrating her legal background with insights into human dynamics and mindfulness, Patrice fosters cultures where teams thrive, conflicts are resolved, and performance is enhanced. She created the 7 Keys to Emotional Intelligence™ framework to tackle workplace challenges, empowering organizations to increase engagement, innovation, and collaboration. With her second book set for release in 2025, Patrice continues to amplify emotional intelligence, transforming workplaces into environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered.
Crystal L. Kendrick The Voice of Your Customer President
John Hawkins MPI Consulting President & CEO
Christopher Che
The Che International Group President & CEO
Crystal Kendrick is the president of The Voice of Your Customer, a professional services firm founded in 2007 that specializes in market research, secret shopping, and outreach campaigns. Under her leadership, the firm has earned accolades such as the NMSDC National Supplier of the Year and the Cincinnati PRSA Small Agency of the Year. Additionally, Crystal serves as the publisher of The Voice of Black Cincinnati, an online media platform aimed at educating and creating opportunities for African Americans in the region. She is on the boards of Spring Grove Funeral Home and Public Media/CET TV, is a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a former National Recording Secretary of The Links, Incorporated. Crystal has been recognized as a YWCA Career Woman of Achievement, a Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction, and an Enquirer Woman of the Year.
John Hawkins is President and CEO of MPI Consulting, a well-established organizational development and human resource consulting firm based in Cincinnati with over 50 years of experience. With more than 35 years in executive positions at some of the world’s leading companies, including Novartis, Kellogg’s, and Glendinning Management Consulting, John has developed a wealth of expertise in various business functions. He began his career at Procter & Gamble, where he spent two decades progressing through roles in sales, marketing, human resources, logistics, and international business, ultimately serving as Head of Sales for P&G’s operations in Brazil. John earned his Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi and is a former U.S. Army Reserve Officer.
Christopher Che has over 35 years of business management experience, with a strong track record in executing acquisitions and joint ventures. As CFO, he successfully formed four strategic minority joint venture partnerships with Fortune 1000 companies, including Printpack, Smurfit-Stone, Xerox, and Ecolab. His expertise in collaborating with large corporations has been instrumental in structuring these partnerships. As President and CEO of Che International Group, LLC (CIG), a BE 100 multinational holding company, Christopher identifies and supports scalable subsidiary companies through startups, strategic acquisitions, and joint ventures. Under his leadership, CIG has achieved significant growth by acquiring companies such as Hooven-Dayton Corporation, Digital Color International, LLC, and a controlling interest in Cog, LLC, as well as TrueChoicePack Corporation.
Special Thanks
to all of our sponsors, AACC Board & Staff, Simone Cooks, Lacey Roberts, the live entertainment, and guests!
Lacey Roberts Community Journalism Director for Signal Cincinnati | CEO and Founder of Grace Media
Partners
Eric H. Kearney | he/him/his AACC President & CEO
Our Staff
Briston Mitchell | she/her/hers Director of Transformative Initiatives & Relationships
Gregory Parker | he/him/his Director of Membership Services
Jill McCauley | she/her/hers Businesss CounselorTechnical Assistance & Outreach
Annette Tarver | she/her/hers Businesss CounselorTechnical Assistance & Outreach
Zoe Carney | she/her/hers Pivot Programs Coordinator
Deborah Davis | she/her/hers Cincinnati MBAC Regional Director
Vivian Watkins | she/her/hers MBAC Business Advisor & Lead Outreach Specialist
Danielle Thompson | She/her/hers MBAC Outreach & Certification Specialist
Ricky Pleasant| he/him/his MBAC Financial Advisor
Marlene Blair | she/her/hers MBAC Business Advisor & Appalachian Outreach Specialist
James Pullins | he/they Admin & Social Media Coordinator
Our Board
Shannon D. Lawson, Esq.
Attorney | Keating Muething & Klekamp CHAIR
Erica White Johnson, Esq. Transaction Tax Manager | CBTS VICE CHAIR
Garri Davis
President | Water Lily Learning Center LLC SECRETARY
J. Maxwell (Max) Williams Esq.
Attorney |Taft Stettinius & Hollister TREASURER
Jason Dunn
Executive Director | NCBMP CHAIR EMERITUS
Royce A. Sutton Principal | Penultimate Inc, LLC
Cedric Newberry President | Meineke Car Care
Darrick Dansby Real Estate Agent | Coldwell Banker
Erica Parker Head of US Employee Relations | Doordash
Marcus L. Thompson Community Development Manager | Triversity
Tarita Preston Professional Life & Leadership Coach | Tarita Preston & Executive Committee | The Corporation of Findlay Market
Sonya Moore Chief Execution Strategist & CEO | Moore Planning & Consulting LLC
Christopher Owens, MBA Insurance Advisor | Camargo Insurance
Eku Williams Partner/Practice Leader | Cybersure LLC
Eric H Kearney, Esq. CEO of the AACC
J o i n T o d a y @ t h e a a c h a m b e r . c o m
( M B E , E D G E , V B E , & W B E ) J
L i s t i n g i n B u s i n e s s D i r e c t o r y
P i v o t B u s i n e s s C o u n s e l i n g
P r o c u r e m e n t / C o n t r a c t O p p o r t u n i t i e s
C e r t i f i c a t i o n s t h r o u g h t h e S t a t e
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N e w s l e t t e r , & W e b s i t e
E - N e w s l e t t e r S u b s c r i p t i o n
Dinsmore supports the African American Chamber of Commerce for its e orts in the community and congratulates all of the honorees of the 2024 Annual Gala, including Dinsmore's own Marty Dunn for the Chairman's Award.
dinsmore.com
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