Black Chamber Banquet 2017 by William Byers

August 27, 2016

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Event Program Schedule US Army Buffalo Soldier’s 150th Anniversary Reception North Ballroom Historical Stamps & Silent Auction North Ballroom Presentation of Colors “Captain Buffalo” Buffalo Soldiers Mounted Cavalry Unit Flag Salute Lieutenant Colonel Michael W. Johns, US Army National Anthem Rachel Bartlett, US Marine Corps Welcome Dr. Mildred Garcia, President California State University, Fullerton Recognitions-Special Guest Introductions & US Postal Service Stamp Dedication Presentation Marlene Dyce & US Postal Service Representatives Invocation Chaplain Brenda J. Threatt US Vets Executive Director, Long Beach

Dinner

US Army Buffalo Soldiers “Change the World”

Buffalo Soldiers in Yellowstone Trooper Ron Jones

Black Chamber Education Fund Presentations Allie Kawamoto Disneyland Ambassador Antoinette Naddour Balta Veterans Legal Institute Distinguished Service Award Lucy Dunn Distinguished Service Award Jo Ellen Chatham Community Leadership Award Donald Craig Veterans and Business Award PJ Matthews & Buffalo Soldier National Museum

Historical Reflections Heroes Hall--Colonel Doug Applegate, US Marine Corps Networking In Buffalo Soldier North Ballroom Area

Executive Director’s Message

WE CAN, WE WILL READY AND FORWARD ALWAYS PREPARED ONWARD 9th and 10th Cavalry and 24th and 25th Infantry Motto’s The Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County is celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the United States Army Buffalo Soldiers for their years of dedicated service and their positive impact on Changing the World. We pay homage and respect to those great soldiers who took the road less traveled and unpaved. They championed and lead the way for our opportunities-to have the right to a good education; to have religious freedom; to experience economic empowerment growth and development; and access to the American Dream. The Buffalo Soldiers duties included confiscating firearms as well as curbing poaching of the park’s wildlife, suppressing wildfires, ending illegal grazing of livestock on federal lands, and stopping thefts of timber and other natural objects. They oversaw the construction of roads, trails, and other infrastructure. They understood the value of hard work and the value of an education. The Black Chamber has taken a leadership role in assisting veterans and such a strong position advocating for our veterans because these soldiers took a leadership role to ensure that when veterans return home from the battlefront they would find an opportunity to continue their education, learn new skills, find a place in the workforce or obtain resources to start a business. Congratulations to this year’s community awardees and honorees who epitomize the impactful significance of productive and purposeful relationship building in our communities. Thank you for your continued support and participation. Thank you also for your encouragement. We will strive to maintain our vigilance and dedication, just like the Buffalo Soldiers,to enhance, improve and grow our community’s businesses with Access to Information! Ready and Forward Bobby McDonald

ENSURING WATER RELIABILITY CALIFORNIA WATERFIX Improving California water systems to ensure reliable delivery of supplies to much of the state is a priority. The SacramentoSan Joaquin Delta delivery system provides about 30 percent of Southern California’s water. Its delivery system and ecosystems are declining. California WaterFix is the project to emerge after more than a decade of review, planning and rigorous scientific and environmental analysis. Water managers across the state will consider moving forward with the plan in the coming months. The time to decide is now. To learn more, visit mwdh2o.com/waterfix

Photos courtesy CA Department of Water Resources.

THE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Acknowledgements The Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County gratefully acknowledges the assistance and support of the following companies: PLATINUM SPONSOR

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. Disneyland Resort Southern California Edison Southern California Gas Company Sempra Energy Southwest Airlines UPS Wells Fargo Bank

GOLD SPONSOR

Aetna AT&T Chevron CHOC Diverse Staffing Solutions Explorer Studios Metropolitan Water District OCEA PBS SoCal Quimby Group Tierney Center for Veterans/Goodwill Industries of Orange County Time Warner Cable/Charter Union Bank University of California, Irvine Wal-Mart

BRONZE SPONSOR

AQMD Buffalo Soldier National Museum California State University, Fullerton Coast Community College District

Enterprise Rent A Car Saddleback College Wells Fargo Home Loan

PATRON SPONSOR

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. American Printing Anaheim Marriott Anaheim Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau Black Business Network of Orange County Boeing Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. Concordia University Department of General Services Heroes Hall High Volume Copy Service Irvine Valley College Knights of Columbus NAACP/Donald Craig Orange County Community Foundation Orange County Small Business Development Center Orange County Business Council Orange County Presidents Council OCTA Pacific Symphony Saddleback College Santa Ana College The Showpros Group Susan B. Komen Foundation TCA Veterans Legal Institute Wellington LTD 9th & 10th (Horse) Calvary Association

Welcome and Flag Salute

Invocation

Chaplain Brenda Threatt

Flag Salute

National Anthem

Lt. Col. Michael Johns

Rachel Bartlett

Presentation of Colors

Buffalo Soldiers Mounted Cavalry Unit

Special Presentations Sheniece Smith

Special Presentations Antoinette Naddour Balt

Special Presentations Special Presentations Doug Wooley

Marlene R. Dyce

Staying True To Making A Difference. There are a great many ways and words to recognize outstanding achievement and exceptional accomplishment. Enterprise proudly salutes all those with drive to make a difference ... in the workplace, in the community and in lives of others.

WE CAN, WE WILL

ALWAYS PREPARED

READY AND FORWARD

ONWARD

Mistress of Ceremonies

Maria Hall-Brown

Executive Producer for Arts and Cultural Programming, and the producer/host of the weekly program LAaRT. She is the joined PBS SoCal (KOCE) in July of 1997. In addition, she recently produced the first documentary film about cultural visionary/philanthropist, Henry T. Segerstrom: Imagining the Future. Other documentaries include: Be Brave: Samantha’s Story, Matters of Faith, Bulgarian Rhapsody, and Notes from Europe, as well as many holiday specials. For 16 years Maria worked as producer/reporter for the nightly news program Real Orange and the producer/ host of author interview series Bookmark. She has garnered two LA Area Emmys and six Golden Mike Awards by the Radio Television News Association for her work. A proud graduate of the University of California, Irvine, she received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005. Maria is a passionate supporter of the Arts.

Our Mission

The mission statement provides the basis for establishing four goals for all Black chamber activities and programs: • • • •

To create access to capital and procurement opportunities To serve as a support vehicle for members by disseminating relevant information: To strengthen the overall organization; To support and contribute to the general welfare and progress of the African American community through economic development.

Black Chamber Education Fund “Black Chamber Education Fund“ The objectives of this corporation shall be: to provide guidance and educational programs and scholarships to youth of Orange County in order to achieve academic and vocational successes; and to develop and provide educational and scholarship needs for military veterans, with support to achieve academic and vocational successes along with career technical education and business and workforce investment assistance opportunities. These programs and scholarships shall be mainly supported by the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County.”

Chuck Moore Mr. Moore is owner of Moore Educational Services. This company has been engaged during the past 16 years in hosting youth conferences and providing college advising services. He is a proud member of the Council of African American Parents. Chuck heads up the Orange County Education Fund program for the past 6 years, the program provide guidance, educational programs, scholarships to youth of Orange County and Southern California, in order to achieve academic and vocational successes. The Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County will support these educational programs and scholarships. A new emphasis was undertaken three years ago with priorities shifted to support successful community programs as opposed to creating new activities within the Black Chamber structure. BRIDGES, the program designed to increase col-lege graduation rates among African American students on Orange County college and university campuses continues to serve as the foundation program for BCEF. However, BCEF has worked as a partner with the Council of African American Parents (CAAP) to publicize and support programs sponsored by this twenty-one year old college preparation organiza-tion that serves students and families from Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. BCEF supports the (CAAP) Legacy Roundtable Accelerated Summer Mathematics Academy designed to increase the number of African American males completing Calculus before high school graduation. Members of the Chamber are sending increased numbers of scholars to CAAP’s Junior/Senior Workshop where scholars and parents receive intensive guidance covering all aspects of the college selection, admissions and enrollment procedures. These pipeline programs feed college level scholars into the BRIDGES (Book Reimbursement Incentive, Guidance and Educational Support) pro-gram where business partners serve as mentors, internship site supervisors, and general supporters of college students striving to complete baccalaureate and advanced degrees from Orange County college campuses. The BRIDGES program was designed to aid African American students in efforts to find Orange County employment, en-trepreneurial opportunities and local mentors. This year we celebrate the return of Dr. AC Campbell, a BRIDGES scholar in 2001 and 2002. Dr. Campbell was accepted as a BRIDGES scholar while completing his master’s degree in Sociology at CSU Fullerton. BCEF is proud to announce that Dr. Campbell who attended and graduated from Purdue University with his doctoral degree in Sociology will begin his tenure process as a faculty member at Santa Ana College in fall 2013. His accomplishments and return to Orange County embody the goals of BCEF and promote continued efforts of this type throughout our service area.

Black Chamber Education Fund

Sydney Campbell, Senior Newport Harbor High School. Major: Communications & English

National History Day Competition in Sacramento

Jason Bonney Cal State Fullerton Major: Business

Morgan Joe - Diamond Bar High School Lindsey Kashiwabara - Diamond Bar High School Lauren Chen - Diamond Bar High School Fiona Huang - Troy High School

Delanee Balta Cal State Fullerton Major: Business

2016 Black Chamber Education Fund Recipients

Black Chamber Education Fund Jose Antonio Guevara Cal State Fullerton US Marine Corps

Saddleback College VETS Program Receives Diversity and Equity Award

Rachel Bartlett Irvine Valley College US Marine Corps

Carla Brame Wilkerson Irvine Valley College US Marine Corps

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Black Chamber Board of Directors Black Chamber Board of Directors Vincent Craney-Chairman Southern California Edison Marlene R. Dyce-Secretary World Financial Group Chuck Moore—Vice President Moore Educational Services Harold Hutchison World Financial Group Davina Samuel Union Bank Bobby McDonald-President, CEO

Corporate and Small Business Advisory Board Enae Jackson-Atkins-Independent Business Consultant Ken Ashford-Metropolitan Water District Antoinette Naddour Balta-Veterans Legal Institute John Brown- THE SHOWPROS William Byers- Explorer Studios Bekele Demissie-OCTA William Jernigan- City Of Rialto Keena Levert-PBS SOCal Herbert Marshall-Solomon Energy Bruce Mayberry-SDG & E Sheniece Smith- CHOC Alan Woo-Community Leader Doug Wooley-One Stop

Awards Criteria and Previous Awardees DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD – The Distinguished Service Award is given to recognize individuals in the Southern California community who have contributed to increasing the quality of life for African Americans and other minorities. This award is for those who directly contributed to the elevation African Americans and other minorities in an exemplary way. Awardees 1992 = Dr. Cecil L. Murray, First AME Church 1993 = Mr. Frank Wells, The Walt Disney Company, Mr. Jack Lindquist, Disneyland 1996 = Dr. Milton Gordon, President, CSU Fullerton 1998 = Dr. Thomas Parham, UC Irvine 2000 = Ms. Lisa Pitney, Disneyland Resort 2001 = Congressman Ed Royce 2001 = Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez 2002 = Senator Richard Ackerman 2002 = Assemblyman Lou Correa 2003 = Frank Garcia 2006 = Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc-General President Darryl R. Matthews Sr. Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. Supreme Basileus Lillian Stokes 2007 = Susan Hildreth-California State Librarian 2008 = Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 2012 = Will Gunn, General Counsel-US Department of Veterans Affairs 2013 = Harry E. Johnson, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation 2015 = Lisa Haines, Disneyland Resort Honorable Todd Spitzer, Orange County Board of Supervisors ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD – The Economic Development Award is given to individuals in the Southern California community who have contributed to increasing the economic viability of African Americans and other minority businesses. Awardees 1992 = Mr. Jerry M. Givens, Los Angeles County, Metropolitan Transit Authority 1993 = Mr. Roger Johnson, Western Digital Corporation 1994 = Honorable Walter Tucker II, US. Congressman 1995 = Mr. Frank Quevedo, Southern California Edison 1996 = Mr. Bob Fluor, Fluor Daniel 1997 = Mr. Roger Embrey, Southern California Gas Co. 1998 = Ms. Patricia Scates, Wells Fargo Bank 1999 = Mr. Freddy Salazar, Walt Disney Company 2000 = Mr. Craig Jackson, Sanders Engineering

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD – The Community Service Award is given to recognize individuals in the Southern California community who have demonstrated outstanding community service which directly and positively affects African Americans and other minorities. Awardees 1992 = Ms. Patricia A. Krone, Community Leader 1993 = Supervisor Gaddi Vasquez, Orange County, Board of Supervisors 1994 = Honorable Tom Umberg 1995 = Mr. Virgil Grizzle, Mr. Michael Noonan 1996 = Mr. Bill Wood, PacifiCare 1997 = Mr. Jim Duran

Awards Criteria and Previous Awardees 1998 = Mr. Kenneth Bentley, Nestle’s 2000 = Mr. Guillermo Hysaw, Toyota 2002 = Ms. Ruth Ko, Orange Coast Magazine 2003 = Judge Karen L. Robinson 2006 = Lt. Valna Wilson, Orange County Sheriff’s Department 2007 = California Librarians Black Caucus 2010 = Jill Bolton, Disneyland Resort Wayne Quint, Association of Orange County Sheriff’s 2012 = Silvia Flores, FACCC Education Institute Max Madrid, Veterans Consultant-Senator Lou Correa 2013 = Knights of Columbus, Orange County Chapter Goodwill Industries of Orange County Veterans First 100 Black Men of Orange County 2000 = Mr. Guillermo Hysaw, Toyota 2002 = Ms. Ruth Ko, Orange Coast Magazine 2003 = Judge Karen L. Robinson 2006 = Lt. Valna Wilson, Orange County Sheriff’s Department 2007 = California Librarians Black Caucus 2010 = Jill Bolton, Disneyland Resort Wayne Quint, Asociation of Orange County Sheriff’s

2012 = Silvia Flores, FACCC Education Institute Max Madrid, Veterans Consultant-Senator Lou Correa 2013=Knights of Columbus, Orange County Chapter Goodwill Industries of Orange County Veterans First 100 Black Men of Orange County COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD – The Community Leadership Award is given to individuals in the Southern California community who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting and enhancing the quality of life for African Americans and other minorities. Awardee 1992 = No award given 1993 = Supervisor Harriett Wieder 1994 = Anaheim Hills Racquet Club 1995 = Mr. Robert V. McDonald 1996 = Mr. Allen Doby 1997 = Ms. Michele Himmelberg Mr. Donald Steele 1998 = Second 2nd Baptist Church/ Pastor John Nix-McReynolds, Johnson Chapel AME/Pastor Tim Tyler San Antonio Catholic Church/Father Seamus Glynn 1999 = Mr. Ed Arnold, KOCE 2000 = Mr. Peter Villegas, Washington Mutual 2001 = Mr. Earl “Stick” Robinson 2002 = Pastor James Carrington, Friendship Baptist Church 2003 = Mel Rogers, KOCE 2005 = Sandra Membrila-Robbie Dr. Jerry Mandel David Yanai

Awards Criteria and Previous Awardees Sheriff Michael Carona 2006 = Dr. Michael Drake, Chancellor-UC Irvine 2007 = City of Anaheim Sesquicentennial-150th Anniversary California State University, Fullerton-50th Anniversary 2010 = Lt. Col. Miguel Howe, US Army 2011 = Mr. Jeffrey Stetson 2014 = Antoinette Naddour Balta Nancy Montgomery Nick Berardino 2015 = Michael Fisher, Director, VA Hospital Long Beach Dr. Jerry Mandel David Yanai Sheriff Michael Carona 2006 = Dr. Michael Drake, Chancellor-UC Irvine 2007 = City of Anaheim Sesquicentennial-150th Anniversary California State University, Fullerton-50th Anniversary 2010 = Lt. Col. Miguel Howe, US Army 2011 = Mr. Jeffrey Stetson 2014 = Antoinette Naddour Balta Nancy Montgomery Nick Berardino 2015 = Michael Fisher, Director, VA Hospital Long Beach

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR – The Business Person of the year award is given to the Black Chamber of Commerce small business member who has demonstrated strong business leadership while showing involvement in the African American and other minority communities. Awardee

1992 = Mr. Ron Harding, Ron Harding Moving and Storage 1993 = Ms. Mattie Jordan Gaye, State Farm Insurance 1994 = Black Orange, Joyce and Randy Jordan 1995 = Mr. John Hobgood, Adware 1996 = Mr. Johnnie Johnson, All Pro Realty 1997 = Mr. Lionel Punchard 1998 = Ms. Ernesta Wright, Elite Beauty Supplies 1999 = Mr. Calvin Marshall, Calvin’s 2000 = Mr. Clarence Smith, Micro Serve Tech 2001 = Mr. Milt Barnes, Classic Chevrolet 2002 = Mr. Ed Thomas, High Volume Copy Service 2003 = Mr. William Byers, Zen Media Agency 2005 = Bob Menzies, Westminster-GMC 2006 = Brenda White-Gatlin 2007= Cedric Ferrell, The Entrepreneur’s Source 2009 = Regina grant Peterson, Advantage CDC Fred Flores, Diverse Staffing Solutions 2011 = Ms. Enae Jackson-Atkins 2012 = Mr. Gavin Huntley-Fenner, Huntley-Fenner Advisors 2013 = Mr. Earl Daniel Dearing, Dearing Brokerage Service 2014 = Joseph David Johnson

2015 = Sheniece Smith, CHOC & HOPE

Awards Criteria and Previous Awardees PRESIDENT’S AWARD – The President’s Award is given to recognize individuals in the Southern California community who contributed to increasing the contract opportunities of African Americans and other minority businesses as part of their employment responsibilities. Awardee

1992 = Mr. J. C. Calhoun, Southern California Gas Company 1993 = Ms. Arnice Lamb, Disneyland 1994 = Mr. Gregory Stevens, Fluor Daniel 1995 = Ms. Star Williams, Nordstrom 1996 = Mr. Bill Ross, Disneyland 1997 = Mr. Melvin Davis, UCI 1998 = Mr. Ed Howard, JC Penney 2002 = Ms. Juanita Mitchell, Volvo

2015 = Eric Fisher, Southern California Edison

AARON/ELIJAH LOVEJOY AWARD – The Elijah Lovejoy Award is given to recognize individuals in the Southern California community who have contributed to the freeing of African Americans either economically or educationally. Awardee

1992 = Mr. Abdi Lajervardi, United Education Institute 1993 = Mr. Hollis Smith, Southern California Regional Purchasing Council 1994 = Dr. Horace Mitchell, University of California, Irvine 1995 = Mr. William Seidler, State Farm Insurance 1996 = Ms. Peggy Boatright, Ms. Diane Hembrick 1997 = Mr. Lloyd Chandler, Orange County Grand Jury 1998 = Ms. Jan Norman, The Orange County Register 1999 = Mr. R. L. Stockard 2000 = Dr. Eddie Hernandez, Chancellor, Rancho Santiago Community College District 2001 = Ms. Kim-Yen Huynh 2002 = Mr. Rusty Kennedy 2005 = Dr. Jerome Hunter, Chancellor- North Orange County Community College District 2006 = Ingrid Johnson, Council of African American Parents 2008 = Dr. James Frank, Former Commissioner SWAC 2010 = Dr. Ding Jo Currie, Chancellor-Coast Community College District Dr. Ned Doffoney, Chancellor-North Orange County Community College District

CIVIC SERVICE AWARD – The Civic Service Award is given to recognize individuals in the Southern California community who are public employees and who have assisted African Americans and other minorities in the public sector. Awardee

1992 = Mr. Lucien Truhill, Orange County Chamber of Commerce (retired) 1993 = Mr. Webster Guillory, Deputy Orange County Assessor 1994 = Ms. Becky Esparza, Mr. Fred Mickelson 1996 = Ms. Jo Caines, KOCE 1997 = Ms. Amanda Vallejo, OCTA

Awards Criteria and Previous Awardees HUMANITARIAN AWARD – The Humanitarian Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated compassion and understanding in the service that they have rendered in their communities. Awardee

1996 = Ms. Kathryn McCullogh 1997 = Ms. Yvonne Higginbotham 1998 = Ms. Amin David 1999 = Ms. Regina Markwardt 2000 = Ms. Beverly White 2002 = Ms. Alberta Christie 2010 = Tony Piazza, American Honda

MICHAEL R. JONES BUSINESS IMPACT AWARD – The Business Impact Award is given to recognize individuals who have had an impact on business in Orange County. These individuals have helped or assisted minorities, and through their efforts, have increased opportunities for all business’s in Orange County and the surrounding communities. Awardee

1999 = Ms. Alescia Buford, Buford and Associates Ms. Antoinette Malveaux, Executive Director, NBMBAA Ms. Glenda Manson, State Farm Insurance Mr. Hilton Smith, Turner Construction Mr. Charles Watkins, Wittnauer 2000 = Mr. George Fraser, Successguide 2001 = Mr.Armando de la Libertad, Wells Fargo Bank 2007 = Mr. Michael Adams, Orange County Printing Consultants Mr. John Brown, The SHOWPROS 2008 = Mr. Alan Woo 2009 = Explorer Studios, Inc. 2010 = Tom Tait- Tait and Associates 2011 = Mr. Ed Grier. Dean of Business-Virginia Commonwealth University 2013 = Mr. Michael Dolphin- Chief Director-Los Angeles/Ventura Employment Development Department Ms. Leila Mozaffari-OC Small Business Development Center Ms. Elizabeth Arteaga-OC Small Business Development Center 2014 = Dr. Tam Nguyen THE CORPORATION OF THE YEAR AWARD – The Corporation of the Year Award is given to a corporation in the Southern California community that has cultivated, implemented and maintained outstanding diversity leadership in promoting and enhancing the quality of life of African-Americans and other minorities. Awardee 2001 = Disneyland Resort, Cynthia Harriss 2002 = SBC-Pacific Bell, Chuck Smith 2003 = Sempra Energy, Thomas Sayles 2005 = PacifiCare-Howie Phanstiel 2006 = The Orange County Register-N. Christian Anderson 2008 = Metropolitan Water District, Gilbert Ivey 2009 = Time Warner Cable 2011 = Southern California Edison

Awards Criteria and Previous Awardees Marlene R. Dyce Businesswoman Empowerment Award - The 2009 Marlene R. Dyce Businesswoman Empowerment Award is given to recognize individuals in the Southern California community who have had an impact on business in Orange County. These individuals have helped or assisted minorities, and through their efforts have increased opportunities for women owned businesses in Orange County and the surrounding communities. Awardee 2008 = Marlene R. Dyce 2009 = Davina Samuel, Union Bank

Veterans and Business Award The Veterans and Business Award is given to a corporation or small business in the Southern California community that has cultivated, implemented, maintained and help increase opportunities for veterans or disabled veterans. 2012 = UPS = Walmart 2015 = OC Fair Board, Ashleigh Aitken Olympic Heritage Award and Recognition 2004 = Mal Whitfield Track & Field 1948-1952 = Rafer Johnson Track & Field 1956-1960 = Willie Banks Track & Field 1980-1984-1988 = Evelyn Furtch Ojeada Track & Field 1932 = Dominque Dawes Women’s Gymnastics 1992-1996-2000 = Bruce Furness Swimming 1976 = Tommie Lee Smith Track & Field 1968 = Cathy (Marino) Bradford Kayaking 1988-1992 = Ed Carruthers Track & Field 1964-1968 = Ulis Williams Track & Field 1964 = Renaldo Brown Track & Field 1968 = Peter Vidmar Men’s Gymnastics 1984 2008 = Rich Merlo Men’s Water Polo 2008 = Omar Amr Men’s Water Polo 2004-2008 = Genai Kerr Men’s Water Polo 2004 = Ryan Bailey Men’s Water Polo 2004-2008-2012 2012 = Courtney Mathewson Women’s Water Polo 2012 = Dan Klatt Women’s Water Polo 2004-2012

COMMITTED TO SUCCESS Providing an exceptional educational experience, California State University, Fullerton is proud to be recognized as one of the nation’s most diverse universities. In fact, we’re ranked among the top 6 nationwide for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded to underrepresented students.* *Diverse: Issues in Higher Education’s list of “Top 100 Degree Producers” (August 2016)

TITANS REACH HIGHER reachhigher.fullerton.edu

2017 Community Leadership Award

Premier Fundraising & Event Planning Services

W E A R E P RO U D TO S U P P O RT T H E

Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County’s 26th Annual Banquet

CONGRATULATIONS to our President

Cynthia Quimby the 2017 Marlene R. Dyce Businesswoman Empowerment Honoree

www.quimbygroup.com (949) 440-1027 | events@quimbygroup.com

2017 Marlene R. Dyce Businesswoman Empowerment Honoree

Cynthia Quimby

We are highlighting you as a special individual who

has had a significant impact and positive influence on the African American, minority and women owned businesses and educational communities in Orange County. Your interaction, impact, advice and leadership for businesses and women owned businesses have been phenomenal! The uplifting, professional and inspirational touch is a significant and unique element you bring to the vibrant communities and organizations you touch. Cynthia Quimby’s experience includes a blend of fundraising, strategic communication, event planning, management, coalition building and policy research. Ms. Quimby has been providing event planning and fundraising services since 2006, and founded Quimby Group Consulting in 2011. In that time she has worked with statewide initiative campaigns, as well as candidates for statewide office, the California Senate and Assembly and local city councils. She also has provided fundraising, event planning and management consulting services to non-profit organizations and political action committees.

Prior to founding Quimby Group Consulting, Ms. Quimby served as Deputy Chief of Staff and District Fundraiser for a State Senator. As Deputy Chief of Staff, she managed the Senator’s district office, served as the primary interface between the community and the Senator, and planned several events including open house receptions, issue summits and townhall meetings. During this period, she also planned numerous fundraising events and helped the Senator raise over half a million dollars. Prior to joining the Senator’s staff, Ms. Quimby handled event planning and media relations for numerous political campaigns, and also gained event planning and coalition building experience having worked for corporate, non-profit, political, and governmental clients at a leading public affairs and media relations firm in Washington, DC. On a volunteer basis, Ms. Quimby has served as the Director of Corporate Sponsorships for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Orange County Young Professionals Committee. Ms. Quimby is a native Californian and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from UCLA and a Masters in Business Administration from UCLA’s Anderson School of Business. Cynthia lives in Irvine with her husband Jason and their three children.

YOU ARE AN

INSPIRATION. Doing right starts right here. You are quick to reach out to those in need. You selflessly give of your time. You make a positive difference in our community one kind act at a time. For your inspired example, we salute you. Union Bank® is proud to sponsor the Black Chamber of Orange County 26th Annual Banquet. unionbank.com

Tustin Branch Davina Samuel Director, Branch Manager 13300 Newport Avenue Tustin, CA 92780 714-730-9462

Chino Hills Crossroads Branch Curtis Flannigan AVP, Branch Manager 13225 Peyton Drive Chino Hills , CA 91709 909-548-0262

Tustin Ranch Branch Marcus Hall Branch Service Manager 13201 Jamboree Road Tustin, CA 92782 714-508-4634

WHERE THE WORLD’S BEST HAVE COME TO TEACH*

*Partial Listing

July 5-7, 2018 • Washington DC

The 2017 Distinguished Service Award

The USO’s 76th anniversary

connected with our military members all around the world on USO tours. Our program partners helped us break new ground in the area of military transition and corporate partners exceeded our $7.5 million challenge and helped the USO open or renovate 30 locations around the world. It’s the USO’s 76th anniversary and there are 1.4 million reasons to celebrate! Nearly a million Americans joined our Campaign to Connect by sending 1.4 million messages of support to our military – one for every active-duty service member. We met our ambitious goal and it’s all thanks to the Force Behind the Forces – the legion of USO volunteers, USO tour veterans, corporate partners and everyday Americans who shared in our global mission to strengthen our military by keeping them connected to family, home and country. This is a shared success we can all celebrate for a moment, but we’re not done collecting messages. You can still go to USO.org/messages to connect with our men and women in uniform and let them know America stands by them as they defend our nation. While our anniversary is a day to get excited for what comes next, it is also an opportunity to look back at the immense success the USO experienced in its 75th year. You already know nearly a million people joined The Force by sending 1.4 million messages of support to our service members. Celebrities of all kinds – actors, athletes, musicians and others –

Millions watched the PBS documentary, “USO – For The Troops,” and saw “The Next Mission,” a collaboration between the USO and Roadtrip Nation that chronicled three transitioning service members as they tried to find their purpose in the civilian world. It was a milestone year and our story development team captured most of it on video. USO Route 75 traveled the country tracking down emotional, inspiring and fun USO stories we captured at our centers across the United States. Service members, USO volunteers, military spouses and others welcomed us with open arms and shared their stories. Sitting in front of a camera and answering questions isn’t easy for most people, but the amazing individuals we met wanted to do it to support the USO and our men and women in uniform. People like that are the definition of the Force Behind the Force: everyday Americans who donate their time, money and energy to make sure our men and women in uniform are never left without a connection to things that keep them strong – family, home and country. The USO story development team’s task is to capture the individual faces behind the force and amplify their voices so you can hear them loud and clear. And that’s exactly what we plan to do. We’ll always populate USO.org with great videos, photos and stories, but you can also find our unique, innovative storytelling on a number of social media platforms.

2017 Distinguished Service Award

Norma Morris

Assistant to the President Emeritus, at Cal State University Fullerton Criminal Justice, the Division of Library Science and the Liberal Studies Program which consisted of 8 degree programs and over 1,000 majors, 30 full-time faculty and 48 part-time faculty in the then School of Humanities and Social Sciences (now College of Humanities and Social Sciences).

We commend you for your interaction, impact, advice and leadership for over 45 years at CSUF, even more importantly the phenomenal 31 years you spent working with Dr. Jewel Plummer Cobb and Dr. Milton A. Gordon. Norma Morris had a 45-year career in public higher education at California State University, Fullerton. After earning her A.A. degree in Spanish and French from Fullerton Junior College (now Fullerton College) in June 1966, she was hired in two half-time secretarial positions, one in the Department of Art and one in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures on September 1, 1966. In 1967 she was offered a full-time position in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures and in 1969 she was appointed Department Secretary in the former School of Interdisciplinary Studies, which housed the departments of American Studies, Linguistics, Religious Studies, Human Services, Russian Area Studies, Technological Studies, and the Library Science program. With expanded responsibilities, she became the Supervising Administrative Aid for the Departments of American Studies, Linguistics, Religious Studies,

In June 1980, Norma was appointed as Staff Assistant to the President by President L. Donald Shields from a field of 121 applicants and remained in that position having the distinct pleasure of working with President L. Donald Shields, Acting President Miles D. McCarthy, Dr. Jewel Plummer Cobb, and Dr. Milton A. Gordon. Norma also worked on university committees with the founding President of California State University, Fullerton, Dr. William B. Langsdorf. Norma distinguished herself in her daily work and in many other capacities at the University. She was the first recipient of the Outstanding Staff Employee Award in 1978. As Staff Assistant to the President, Norma assisted the Presidents with a wide range of complex and sensitive executive and administrative duties and was responsible for staff supervision and the effectiveness of the Office of the President. Norma served as liaison for the President for a variety of internal and external constituencies and served on the President’s Administrative Board that met weekly with the President, Vice Presidents and other members of the university community. She also served as staff liaison to the University Advisory Board and was responsible for numerous university-wide and community events sponsored by the President’s Office. Over the 45 years she worked at California State University, Fullerton, she served on numerous university-wide committees including serving as a member of the Commencement Committee for 31 years; serving as a member of the Planning Committee for the 10th, 25th, 40th

2017 Distinguished Service Award and 50th anniversaries of the University and chairing or co-chairing the subcommittee on events, displays and exhibits for the anniversary committees. Norma was responsible for all arrangements for two university presidential investitures and served on the planning committee for President Shields, President Cobb and President Gordon’s retirement dinners. Working with each respective president, Norma has written over 1,400 speeches including the annual Convocation and State of the University addresses each year and 31 Commencement scripts, attended and participated in 1,612 President’s Administrative Board meetings and prepared 11,315 daily President’s schedules and background packets for meetings, travel itineraries, etc. Norma said it was an honor and privilege to be a member of the Titan family for 45 years and to work with such effective and extraordinary presidents who led California State University, Fullerton into prominence as one of the nation’s largest and most inclusive senior institution of higher learning. Norma is a long-time donor to the President’s Scholars Program at Cal State Fullerton, the United Negro College Fund, Alzheimer’s Association, numerous Veteran organizations, American Red Cross, Salvation Army of Orange County, Orange County Rescue Mission, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Diabetes Association, St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, City of Hope, Susan Komen Cancer Foundation, and Mothers’ Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) to name but a few. Norma was married to her high school sweetheart, Daniel Morris, for almost 50 years until his death in 2014. She has one daughter, Jamie Morris Spitzer, who is an alumna of Cal State Fullerton (B.A. in Sociology, ’88) and currently a Presiding Administrative Law Judge in Anaheim, her son-in-law is Todd Spitzer, Orange County Supervisor, District 3, and she has two grandchildren, Justin Spitzer, a sophomore at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and Lauren Spitzer, who is in sixth grade in the Orange Unified School District. Her brother, Jerry Stone and sister-in-law, Carol live in St. Peters, Missouri.

Our greatest respect and admiration to the USO, PBS So Cal, CSU Fullerton, OC Black Chamber of Commerce for their selfless service to empower our communities.

Mission Statement: Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) is a 501 (c) (3)

VLI also advocates on behalf of its clients by providing community

organization that provides pro bono legal assistance to homeless, at

education and policy advocacy in an effort to increase awareness,

risk, disabled and low income current and former service members to

resources, and overall protections to current and former members of

eradicate barriers to housing, healthcare, education, and employment

the US military. Since its founding in 2014, VLI has served over 2,000

and foster self-sufficiency.

veterans and restored over 1 million dollars in veterans benefits.

2100 N. Broadway, Suite 209, Santa Ana, CA 92706 | www.vetslegal.com | info@vetslegal.com

2017 Community SERVICE Award

Bekele DeMissie

Senior Community and Business Relations Specialist at Orange County Transportation Authority.

recognized by local, state and federal officials. Bekele has received numerous awards for his work, including Business Leader of the Year from OC SBA and the Orange County Business Chambers Presidents Council. Bekele is appointed by elected officials to serve as a Commissioner for Orange County Human Relations Commissioner

We are highlighting you as a special individual who has had a significant impact and positive influence especially with your diversity outreach for OCTA (Orange County Transportation Authority) , your participation with the Orange County Presidents Council-the group of 27 ethnic and business cultural organizations and your active participation to enhance diversity, education and multiculturalism in Orange County communities. Bekele brings over 30 years of international management, leadership and business development experience to the business community. Bekele holds both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business management & Administration and a Master’s degree in Leadership. He has had extensive training in business development from various organizations. During the past 30 years, Bekele has worked with various government and non-government agencies. His leadership within the business community has been

In his present capacity as Senior Community & Business Relations Specialist for the Orange County Transportation Authority, Bekele serves as a liaison with public and private organizations, community groups, elected officials, and other public agencies. He has been instrumental in securing and nurturing numerous working relationships that foster community and business development. He is a Commissioner for Orange County Human Relations Commission. Bekele has organized joint session events for community and business leaders that have drawn the participation of senior leadership, business and community leaders, and elected officials. His professional experience also includes working with non-profit organizations in developing relationships with business and community organizations including Food for The Hungry International, World Vision, Irish Concern, Southern California Evangelical Association, and faith based organizations. Bekele also is the founder of Ethiopian Christian Church and Ethiopian-American Council of Orange County.

We just completed Phase 1 of the multi-year, year-round process for middle school boys who participate in organized sports the call BOSS. We’re doing unique work with an increasingly visible group – athletes obviously are highly visible in their school and college communities. We’re not just working to make them understand how to be successful, we’re helping them to help their non-athlete peers succeed. This is a highly positive narrative, in an area where the spotlight already is looking for new news and outcomes. We’re gearing up for the school year component of the multi-year, year- round “process” that is reversing the lingering and persistent disparity in academic achievement and life success. We need your help to provide ongoing mentoring, real world experiences and opportunities for advocacy and service for our boys. Click here to see a recap of our Long Beach BOSS™ from the College of Business on the Long Beach State campus and Click here for a Google photo gallery that captures some of the excitement. The faces tell the whole story. Every dollar given is instrumental in helping a youngster excel academically and join the ranks of the successful!

To help prepare our BOSS™ boys for a successful school year, DONATE NOW

Year in Revew

Enjoy the Encompassing 20 percent of Orange County’s highway system serving more than 280,000 drivers each day. To sign up or learn more visit TheTollRoads.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE 18,000 EMPLOYEES REPRESENTED BY OCEA, WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT THE

BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE For decades, the Orange County Employees Association has proudly represented workers of the County of Orange, the Orange County Superior Court, and numerous cities and districts within the County of Orange.

O RA N G E CO U N T Y E M P LOY E E S ASS O C I AT I O N

830 N. ROSS ST., SANTA ANA, CA 92701 • (714) 835-3355 • (714) 835-7654 FAX • WWW.OCEAMEMBER.ORG

Specials Thanks To... Awards Dinner Committee and Banquet Support Ashleigh Aitken, Doug Applegate, Antoinette Naddour Balta, Delanee Balta, Nick Beradino, Jill Bolton, William N. Byers Jr., Angie Cano, Lou Correa, Vince Craney, Asia Cunningham,Cheryl Fallon, Fred Flores, Ruben Franco, Joe Gambrell, George Gibbs, Judy Goffin, Lisa Haines, Charles Harmon, Ken Hill, Harold Hutchison, Christine Hunt, Patricia Jackson-Kelly, Samantha James, Kevin Jenkins, Michael Johns, Lou Jones, Ron Jones, Kate Klimow, Danielle Kramer, Her¬bert Marshall, Pj Matthews, Bruce Mayberry, Chuck Moore,Jennifer Muir, Lezlee Neebe,Terrence Nelson, Darrel Nash, Martha Ochoa, Carina Franck-Pantone, Cynthia Quimby, Renee Ramirez, Michelle Richards, Elva Rubacalva, Davina Samuel, Karyn Salman,Mark Saunders,Pete Seitz, Alvetia Smith, Sheniece Smith, Steve Spernak, Todd Spitzer, Brenda Threatt, Jim Torres, Jeanne Tran, Tammy Tran, Chase Wickersham, Doug Wooley, Alan Woo, Cathy Woodard, Cathy Yatch, Leise Zamora. Marlene Dyce (Chair) Photography Explorer Studios, Inc.-Theodore Miller, Colorplak Awards Dinner Program The Quimby Group Explorer Studios, Inc.- Design American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Table Decorations Designs by Cathy Woodard Designs by Christine Hunt Campus ID/Design Visions Silent Auction Antoinette Naddour Balta Delanee Balta Media Support Judy Goffin PR Orange Coast Magazine The Orange County Register Time Warner/Charter PBS SoCal Entertainment The SHOWPROS Thank you all for your efforts, support, contributions, talent and your most precious time. The Black Chamber of Orange County and the Black Chamber Education Fund wishes to thank all of our sponsors, members, honorees, and supporters for making our 150th Anniversary Celebration of the US Army Buffalo Soldiers a total success!

Orange County Black Organizations Directory 100 Black Men of Orange County Website: http://www.100bmoc.org/ National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc Website: http://nc100bwoc.org/ Alpha Kappa Alpha Mu Epsilon Omega Chapter Website: http://akameo.org/

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Website: http://jackandjillinc.org/jack-and-jill-regions/far-west-region/ African American Male Education Network & Development Website: http://www.a2mend.org/index.html Santa Ana Black Historical Society Email: tleonberry@hotmail.com

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Nu Tau Lambda Orange County http://ocalphas.org/

Orange County Employees Association Website: http://www.oceamember.org/site/c.khKSIYPxEmE/b.4426563/k.BE1B/Home.htm

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. MU Alpha Alpha Chapter Website http://omegapsiphifraternity.org/home.asp

Leon Owens Foundation Website: http://www.leonowensfoundation.org

Black Business Student Association Mihaylo College of Business and Economics Website: http://mihayloclubs.fullerton.edu/bbsa/contact-us/ African American Resource Center California State University, Fullerton Clubs and Organizations Website: http://www.fullerton.edu/aarc/clubs/ Black Chamber Education Fund Website: http://www.ocblackchamber.com/education Black Business Network in Orange County Website: http://bbn-oc.org/ Black in Orange County Website: http://www.meetup.com/Black-In-Orange-County/ Black Leadership Advancement Coalition University of California, Irvine Website: http://uciblac.weebly.com/blac-organizations.html Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Website: www.eeboule.com Council of African American Parents Website: http://www.councilofafricanamericanparents.org/ Legacy Roundtable Website: http://www.legacyroundtable.net/index.html

Fullerton College Diversity Department Email: korlijan@fullcoll.edu Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Website: http://www.orangecountydts.com Black Student Union Chapman University Website: http://chapmanbsu.wix.com/bsu#!contact Tri-County Bulletin Website: http://www.tri-countybulletin.com/community/orange-county

Churches Christ Our Redeemer Website: http://www.corchurch.org/ Faith Deliverance Apostolic Church Website: http://www.faithdeliverancefullerton.webs.com Friendship Baptist Website: http://www.thefriendshipchurch.org Graceland Community Baptist Church Website: http://www.gracelandcommunitybaptistchurch.com

Chapman University Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Program Website: www.chapman.edu

Greater Light Missionary Baptist Church Website: http://glmbcministries.weebly.com

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Website: http://www.sgrho1922.org/home

Johnson Chapel AME Website:

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Email: info@zetaphibetasororityhq.org

New Hope Presbyterian Church Website: http://www.mynewhopepres.org

Phi Beta Sigma Website: http://www.phibetasigma1914.org/

New Spirit Baptist Church Website: http://www.newspiritbaptistchurch.com

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Website: http://www.kapsi-western.org/Home_old/officers-board-members

Second Baptist Church Website: http://sbcchurchfamily.org

Orange County (CA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated http://oclinksinc.org/Orange_County_Links/Home.html

SonRise Community Christian Church Website:

Embracing differences. Respecting individuals and individuality. Recognizing that what sets us apart brings us together. What we make is because of what we’re made of. Our disparate cultures come together in Honda’s culture of diversity and inclusion.

Honda is a proud supporter of the Black Chamber of Orange County.