“Game Changers” Roundtable Held At L.A. Live

On Thursday, March 23rd, the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) held its annual “Game Changers” Roundtable, at JW Marriott, at L.A. Live. Over 200 guests attended the panel discussion which aimed to usher in a new generation of African American business owners and entrepreneurs. As GLAAACC’s direct link to the millennial generation, “Game Changers” discussed the issues and road blacks that currently face today’s entrepreneurs and business owners.

Opening remarks were made by Karim Webb. Among the Panelist were: Steve Ballmer, former Microsoft CEO and owner of the Los Angeles Clippers; Poppy Hanks, Senior Vice President of and Production at multi-platform media company MACRO, most recently, Hanks was Co-Executive Producer of the Oscar-nominated film Fences; Kesha Cash, founder of Impact America Fund (IAF), a $10M venture capital fund that invests in technology-driven companies with a mission to enhance the wellbeing of underserved communities and Tavio Hobson, who currently serves as Vice President of Business and Basketball Development for Legacy Sports, and former Corporate Partnership manager for the LA Clippers. Sports Center & ESPN Anchor, Cari Champion, acted as moderator.

The Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) was established in 1991 by a group of business owners and executives led by Gene Hale, President of G&C Equipment Corporation and the late Homer Broome, former president of Marvid Associates. Their vision was to create an organization that would serve as an advocate for African American-owned business enterprises and to promote their growth and expansion into the international arena. Beginning with a $5,000 grant from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc, GLAAACC began its journey. Led by Hale, Broome, the late William Kennard, Sr. and other prominent business owners, GLAAACC was able to attract the attention and support of major corporations, including the public utility sector.