Membership in 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 its corporate advisory committee to its town hall meetings, annual dinner, membership mixer 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 Outreach, Business Advocacy, Community Outreach and Community Advocacy. Specifically, in Business Outreach we have provided more than 750 hours of counseling and referrals for local businesses; provided new discount health, legal, and administrative service programs to small businesses; and participated in a number of significant activities including partnering with other Los Angeles area chambers of commerce for the annual "L.A.'s Largest Mixer" attracting more than 1,500 participants.

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 included a Town Hall reception for then newly appointed 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. And under Community Outreach, we again awarded scholarship grants totaling $15,000 to three deserving local students (more in this issue); continued to employ and train interns from the Shell Youth Academy including helping with full-time job placement or continuing education; partnering with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce for its annual Black History luncheon; and providing holiday donations to "Sweet" Alice Harris' Parents of Watts and the Watts/Willowbrook Boys and Girls Club.

We've had a busy year, but there's more to come. And, you all have an opportunity to participate. Understanding the significant relationship between business and politics, in the very near future GLAAACC will launch its Political Action Committee. And, we're working on plans for an annual "State of Black Business" report. Both would serve as scorecards 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!