Chairman's Message

Membership with GLAAACC should be considered essential for any African American owned business operating in the greater Los Angeles area.  The important advocacy role that GLAAACC plays in many arenas benefits all current members, as well as other African American owned businesses that should be members.  From the GLAAACC Corporate Advisory Board to its town hall luncheons, annual awards dinner, quarterly membership mixers and legislative advocacy efforts, GLAAACC influences many key decision makers in the public and private sectors.  The end result is more contacts and contracts.  That's the GLAAACC bottom line.

With a primary mission of advocating and promoting the economic growth and development of African American businesses by developing business opportunities, business alliances and legislative advocacy, over the years GLAAACC has garnered a stellar reputation as Southern California's premier African American business organization - and rightfully so!

In just this past year we have excelled in the areas of business and community outreach and advocacy.  Specifically, in business outreach we have provided counseling and referrals, seminars, programs, and networking events for small businesses and participated in a number of significant activities including partnering with other Los Angeles area chambers of commerce and community organizations.

Our business advocacy activities included support of the "L.A. United" effort to successfully defeat secession; support of Business Tax Reform initiatives in Los Angeles; and, partnering through membership with the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (ex-officio); California Chamber of Commerce, L.A. Chamber Advocacy Network and the Transportation Business Advisory Council for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

But, it doesn't stop there.  Our community advocacy efforts have included a Town Hall reception for former L.A. Police Chief William J. Bratton and serving as a local site co-sponsor for the citywide "Free Cash for College" program, among other things.  Under community outreach, the Education Fund & Foundation again awarded scholarships totaling $20,000 to four deserving graduating students (see Education Fund & Foundation page); partnering with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce for its annual Black History luncheon; and providing turkeys during the Thanksgiving holiday and toy donations during the month of December to local organizations.

We've had a busy year, but there's more to come and you all have an opportunity to participate.  It is important that we understand the significant relationship between business and politics.  We're working on plans for an annual "State of Black Business" report which will serve as a scorecard for us on how we're doing and what we need to do to play ball on the larger business field.  As a member, you are in position to play a pivotal role.  Let others know about this exciting time in our organization and how GLAAACC is working for you.  Spread the word!

Gene Hale

Chairman, GLAAACC