Sep 03, 2014 Upcoming Events 0 comment

Greater Houston Black Chamber Announces Pinnacle Award Finalists

 

Contact: Sophia Macris                                      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Office: 713-522-4273                                                       September 2, 2014

Cell:  713-899-9321

Greater Houston Black Chamber Announces Pinnacle Award Finalists

Winners to be announced at 20th Anniversary Gala on October 11th at The Power Center

HOUSTON, TX – The Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce (GHBC) has announced the finalists for its 20th Annual Pinnacle Awards, the GHBC’s  prestigious African-American Business Achievement Awards which each year honor a variety of Black-owned businesses in the Greater Houston Area.   The individuals and businesses now in line to receive this distinction were revealed at a VIP Nominees Reception, held on August 28th at The Ensemble Theatre.

Businesses nominated for the Pinnacle Award must have positively impacted the communities and industries they serve, as well as exemplify a high-quality business operation worthy of recognition amongst their peers. These for-profit businesses must be at least 51 percent African-American owned, in operation for a minimum of three years, headquartered in the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area and members of the GHBC.

The 2014 Pinnacle Award finalists are:

+ Affirmative Biosolutions

+ Autos R Us Collision Center

+ Elite Change

+ Facility Interiors

+ Industrial Welding Academy

+ Jolt

+ Sowell Construction Management & Inspection

+ Tristen Sutton State Farm Agency

The Mack H. Hannah, Jr. Upstart Business Award, which includes a $2,500 cash prize, recognizes a growing business on the path to entrepreneurial greatness that has been in operation less than two years

The finalists for the Mack H. Hannah, Jr. Upstart Award are:

+ Click It Clinic

+ Jessiica Howell Fashions

+ Super Weave Xpress

+ Sweet Dreams Gourmet

The winners of these awards will be unveiled at the Chamber’s 20th Annual Pinnacle Awards Gala on October 11, 2014. This black-tie event will be held at the Power Center, 12401 South Post Oak Road, Houston, TX 77045.

Leonard James, III, President and CEO of the GHBC, says the variety of this year’s nominated businesses speaks to the depth and impact of Black-owned enterprises.  “We have nominees from various industries including medical, fashion, construction, public relations, insurance, staffing and more and that means that the economic influence of the African-American community and GHBC members is growing.  Houston’s economy is vibrant, and African-American owned businesses are immersed in this wave of entrepreneurial spirit.”

GHBC Board Chair Vernita Harris says that the 20th Anniversary Gala will feature a streamlined agenda, with a focus on the nominees and winners and an accent on fun. “This gala is a celebration of entrepreneurism and the success that accompanies it,” observes Ms. Harris.  “Our winners are the best and brightest and this evening will showcase their stature and achievements.”

The GHBC’s 20th Annual Pinnacle Awards are supported by a number of  top flight sponsors, including AT&T, Chevron, Comerica Bank, H-E-B, Marathon Oil Corporation,  Port of Houston Authority, Radio One, Shell, United Healthcare and Wells Fargo.

Additional information about the Pinnacle Awards is available at www.GHBCC.com.

About the Greater Houston Black Chamber

Since 1935, the Greater Houston Black Houston Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Greater Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce) has served as an advocate for African-American business owners and professionals in the Houston area.   Seventy-nine years later, as the city’s first African-American civic organization and the nation’s second oldest African-American Chamber of Commerce, the organization’s mission and vision have flourished, reflecting the needs and growth of its members.  GHBC has provided value to members, area businesses and the community and has remained committed to assisting African-American businesses succeed within the local community.

With much of the nation’s attention focused on the economic state of the country, GHBC has kept the needs of Black business owners on the forefront, proving itself to be a premier organization focused on the prosperity and growth of Black entrepreneurs.  Today, the Chamber remains focused on how to impact and provide advocacy, awareness and access to African-American businesses within the Community.

GHBC is a member of the Texas African-American Association of Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC) which serves as a leading advocate promoting the development and enhancement of local African-American chambers of commerce.  TAAACC interacts directly with the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government to influence public policy. For more information, visit www.ghbcc.com.

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