Greetings from the Black Economic Council
On December 8, 2011 the Black Economic Council (BEC) hosted our first "Bridge Builder and Game Changers" Award Ceremony Luncheon. Excitement surrounded the event which provided an opportunity for the BEC to pay tribute and present awards to individuals and organizations that have championed the causes of people of color through their advocacy and leadership.
The "Bridge Builder and Game Changers" Award Ceremony Luncheon gave the BEC the opportunity to publicly recognize those who are truly making a positive difference for minority owned businesses and people of color on a nationwide scale. We feel honored to be in a position where we can recognize and commend the leadership and efforts that the awardees continually make day to day.
President of the California Public Utilities Commission, Mike Peevey, received the 'Dolores Huerta Economic Freedom' Award, named after the female leader who fought diligently for the rights of others while raising 11 children. President Peevey in fact while serving as research director for the California Labor Federation in the late 60s, marched with Cesar Chavez who along with Delores Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers Union.
While accepting the award, President Peevey was quoted to have said "It was a distinct pleasure to be honored by the Black Economic Council at its first Bridge Builders and Game Changers award ceremony. The BEC performs a vital function---helping to improve the economic well- being of a vital portion of our population through its programs and efforts to enhance economic opportunity."
Director of Supplier Diversity for PG&E, Joan Kerr received the 'Eleanor Roosevelt Economic Development' Award, named after the former First Lady because of her demonstrated leadership and advocacy for people of color, the poor, and women during a period when reportedly few others reached out to help. Joan Kerr is a long- time supporter and advocate for the BEC and although not known when she was selected to receive the award, Eleanor Roosevelt was a hero and role model personally to Ms. Kerr, which she announced when receiving the award.
The BEC awarded Robert Gnaizda, General Counsel for the BEC the 'Maverick Award' for his out of the box strategies and tactics for promoting a more level playing field for communities of color on key issues directly related to economic stability and growth. Robert Gnaizda helped co-found three major public interest institutions: California Rural Legal Assistance (1966), then the nation's largest legal service program; Public Advocates (1971), the first public interest law firm in the West; and the Greenlining Institute (1993), the largest multiethnic public policy and advocacy center in the West. Robert Gnaizda is unlike any other and his work continues to transform, redefine and level the playing field.
AT&T Corporation was awarded 'The Game Changer' Award, created to recognize visionary leaders, organizations and corporations who are changing the way we look at the world. AT&T has led the industry by example, encouraging suppliers to embrace the established goals set by AT&T to increase the number of diverse suppliers in the supply chain. AT&T continues to extend the windows of opportunity for diverse businesses. Eric Batongbacal accepted the award for AT&T.
The Greenlining Institute was honored with the 'Bridge Builder Award' in recognition of their commitment to fight redlining, the illegal practice of denying services to communities of color, and institutionalized discrimination over the last eighteen years. Greenlining has established a legacy for generations to come in the commitment to support communities of color, representing the essence of the Bridge Builders award.
Andree Driskell, BEC Vice President received the 'Unsung Hero' Award for her commitment and service. For over 6 years, Andree Driskell has demonstrated a true passion in improving the lives of minorities through the advocacy of the BEC.
The BEC was also able to highlight "Twelve" Minority Businesses during the luncheon as well as match several businesses with Tier 1 Suppliers for Fortune 500 companies. We are very grateful for all of the Tier 1 Suppliers that attended the luncheon; it is encouraging to see the level of support and interest that these suppliers have towards assisting minority businesses.
On Behalf of the BEC we would like to thank all of the attendees for making our first ever "Bridge Builder and Game Changers" Award Ceremony Luncheon truly impactful. A special thank you also goes out the sponsors of this event, AT&T, Wells Fargo, East West Bank, First Republic Bank and HSBC Bank, all of who felt the luncheon was a great success.
To quote two of the corporate sponsors in attendance, Julia Gouw, President of East West Bank indicated “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to make new acquaintances, share new ideas and forge new paths.” Per Ms. Gouw “East West Bank has a long history of successful partnership with minority and small business owner”, and the BEC looks forward to continuing our partnership with East West Bank.
To quote a longtime supporter of the BEC, Wells Fargo, Peter Lee, VP of Supplier Diversity of Wells Fargo, indicated “Wells Fargo’s partnership with BEC goes beyond dollars…both of us believe that information is key to success for any business. I hope everybody here today will support BEC’s vision and mission of building and growing companies and communities.”
The BEC is blessed to be able to serve the minority community and we would like to wish everyone Greater Success in 2012!
Happy New Year!
Black Economic Council
Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 10:55PM