2020 Eagle Awards Red Carpet Recap

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida and Walt Disney World Resort proudly presented the 2020 Eagle Awards on January 18, 2020. The event recognized individuals, small businesses, and corporations that have made a positive impact on the Central Florida community.

The Red Carpet set the scene for the entire event with live interviews from Florida National News, photographers, and instagrammers bustling about. The theme was "Soar Into Africa" and attendees rose to the occasion to reflect bold patterns, bright colors, and ensembles fit for royalty. After just 5 minutes on the red carpet it became clear which fashion trends were most popular.

1.) African Attire

EA Fashion - traditional lineup

2.) The Brightest of Blues

EA fashion lineup blue

3.) Glamorous Sequins

EA Fashion lineup - sequins

4.) Not Your Average Tuxedo

Fashion line up_not your average tux

Read More:   View Event Recap Video  |  View List of Award Winners  | Event Photo Gallery

In addition to title sponsor Disney, this year's gala was supported by Wells Fargo, Gold sponsor; Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando Health, Duke Energy and Ardmore Roderick, Silver sponsors; Wyndham Destinations, Greenberg Traurig, OUC, Florida Blue, University of Central Florida, Tupperware Brands, Rasmussen College, McCoy Federal Credit Union, Visit Orlando, AdventHealth, BB&T, Prestige Ford, JPMorgan Chase, FAIRWINDS Credit Union, Darden and Access Audio Visuals, Bronze sponsors. Media Partners were FNN and WESH.


2020 Eagle Awards Recap

The Eagle Awards are the AACCCF’s crowning celebration for Central Florida’s most dynamic growing businesses and entrepreneurs. The evening also serves as a time to recognize and honor the large corporations positively impacting our community and driving the growth and development of our vibrant and diverse business landscape. This year the event took place on January 18, 2020 at 7:00PM.

It was as if Wakanda had come to life, we had stumbled onto the set of the Lion King, or we had somehow been transported to the majestic Serengeti plains. While the actual event location was Disney's Contemporary Resort; this year's 2020 Eagle Awards took to the theme "Soar Into Africa" and transported attendees to another world.

Read More:  View List of Award Winners View the Red Carpet Fashion Review | Photo Gallery

In case you missed it, or if you simply want to re-live the magic once more; take a look at the evening's recap video:

A huge thank you to Walt Disney World, our event and table sponsors, and to all of the attendees. You each played a part in bringing the event to life and helping us to build a moment worthy of the history books - or at least our instagram feed for many months to come. Don't forget to continue to tag your posts and photos from the event using #EagleAwards. We'll see you next year.

In addition to title sponsor Disney, this year's gala was supported by Wells Fargo, Gold sponsor; Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando Health, Duke Energy and Ardmore Roderick, Silver sponsors; Wyndham Destinations, Greenberg Traurig, OUC, Florida Blue, University of Central Florida, Tupperware Brands, Rasmussen College, McCoy Federal Credit Union, Visit Orlando, AdventHealth, BB&T, Prestige Ford, JPMorgan Chase, FAIRWINDS Credit Union, Darden and Access Audio Visuals, Bronze sponsors. Media Partners were FNN and WESH. 

 

 

 

 


2020 Eagle Awards Winners

The Eagle Awards did not disappoint this past Saturday! It was an evening of recognition, networking, and building up every business in the room. We are so pleased to announce the winners for each category.

Emerging Business of the Year Award: Osborne & Francis

Business Enterprise of the Year Award: Hair in Motion of New York

Small Business Advocate Award: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

Corporate Recognition of the Year Award: Duke Energy

Outstanding Community Achievement Award: Wayne Densch Charities

Outstanding Individual Community Achievement Award: Laine Powell

Humanitarian of the Year Award: Desmond Meade

The Eagle Award: Ardmore Roderick

Thank you to everyone who joined us! 

Read More:   View Event Recap Video  | View the Red Carpet Fashion Review | Event Photo Gallery

 

 


Business Spotlight: Seer Productions

Meet Seer Productions. A creative team offering Digital Marketing services to Central Florida. Not only are they members of AACCCF, but they've have also worked on some video pieces for our social channels!

What makes them special? We'd say it's CEO and founder Stefen Smith. Stefen is a visionary on mission. He knows how to take a clients idea and bring it to life. We managed to snag a moment of his time from his busy schedule to chat about what his company has to offer.

IMG_7635What is your primary product or service?
Seer Productions specializes in telling your business’s story though Digital Marketing.
What do you think makes Central Florida a special place to do business?
Central Florida is a melting pot of all walks of life. You have the opportunity to connect and learn from
some many people. There are very enriching possibilities here in Central Florida.
Who is your target market/audience?
Seer Productions looks to work with organizations that need help with clarifying their message to their
audiences.

In your opinion, what makes Central Florida's business community special?
The willingness to help one another with zero expectations of a return. They only want to help you grow.

What is the most exciting thing you see happening in your industry?
I have a few: The rise of video consumption, Companies working on Branding, and automation.
What is the biggest benefit to joining the AACCCF?
The Biggest benefit of joining the chamber is having access to people that are in a variety of different fields
and levels as professionals. It's an opportunity to grow and learn.

 
Want to learn more? Check them out on Social Media:
Instagram: @TheSeerProductions 
Facebook: @TheSeerProductions
LinkedIn:   @TheSeerProductions
Vimeo:      @SeerProductionsLLC
 

3 NEW YEAR'S BUSINESS RESOLUTIONS TO ADD TO YOUR LIST

Cheers to a new year! Each January is the perfect time to hit reset and evaluate your goals not only in your personal life, but also in your business. So what are your resolutions this year? We have three ideas to get you started:
 
1.) Make Connections and Network more.
It may sound a bit cliche that networking is the key to business growth, but it's true! Networking allows you to make valuable connections that could turn into potential investors, clients or partners. Sometimes you don't even know what opportunities or partnerships could take your business to the next level until you meet that right person, who because a missing puzzle piece. 
 
What better way to network than with the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida? Every month our calendar is full of Business After Hour Events and training sessions that will help you get more acquainted with Central Florida's business community.
 
Check out our calendar of events here.
 
2.) Seek Support.
As a business professional, you can't always do everything on your own. Don't forget to lean on organizations, groups, and other local businesses for support when you can. 
At the chamber, our favorite form of support is our Leads Group. A Leads Group is a connected group of business professionals that meet bi-weekly with the sole purpose of growing business together. Speakers are brought in for training and education, while the group itself helps each other to generate more business. When we work together, everybody wins.
 
3.) Support Others.
As you seek support from others, you will also find yourself in the position to support your peers when they need help or simply to further uplift them and recognize their successes. The Eagle  Awards are the AACCCF's annual award ceremony recognizing small business, entrepreneur, and corporations that have a big impact on the commmunity. Don't forget to stay tuned to see which of our finalists will win Eagle Awards on January 18th. 

HOW TO GET BACK INTO YOUR WORK ROUTINE AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

As professionals, we look forward to the holidays as a break from the regular routine. Most people get at least one day off for much needed mental relief, but with at least 10 pounds of pie in your system, and a taste of relaxation - going back to work after the holidays can be tough. It’s a bit like restarting a car that has been sitting in a cold garage for too long. You have to get it warmed up and the battery may actually be drained to the point of failure, because it hasn’t been put to good use for a while. Human brains are the same way.

Fortunately for you, our mission at the Chamber is to help you succeed. We put our heads together to come up with 3 key steps to get you back to your normal productivity levels:

1.) Hit the planner. 

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Whether your calendar is on outlook, or you keep a hard copy on you, looking through your schedule and organizing your upcoming projects before returning to work can help you ease back into the game. Even if there is nothing to move around, knowing what’s coming up will help you to refocus yourself before you hit the office.

2.) Do some New Year organization/cleanup. 

image4Taking the time to throw out old papers can help to lighten the burden physically on your desk, but also mentally. When your workspace is cleaned in organized, you will naturally feel more energized.

3.) Treat Yourself. 

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The ultimate way to wean yourself off of the holiday/vacation life is to bring a piece of it with you to work. Don’t hold back. Pack a slice of leftover pie in your lunch, keep that winter playlist buzzing, and take your time switching from pumpkin spice latte to black coffee. There is no shame in taking your time.

 

 

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT ALL DECEMBER 2019 ARTICLES: 

AACCCF after holidays fb link

 


Business Spotlight: AlphaGraphics

If you don't know AlphaGraphics but have been to AACCCF events, you probably know their work. From store signs to business cards, vehicle wraps to flyers (and everything in between), AlphaGraphics has a range of services available. Don't take our word for it. We reached out to owner Josh Field to allow him to explain all the ins and outs.

 

Josh Field_Headshot1
Josh Field, Owner

What is your primary product or service?

We are a full-service, locally owned and operated, visual communications, branding and marketing company. With our expertise and experience, we help build your business, grow your market share, and increase your brand visibility. 

We specialize in: 

  • Graphic Design & Marketing Services
  • Printing
  • Signs 
  • Wall, Window & Vehicle Graphics
  • Mailing Services
  • Apparel & Promotional Products

 

What do you think makes Central Florida a special place to do business?

We love doing business in Central Florida because of its continuous growth and diversity of companies and industries. Over the past few years, we have seen growth in many sectors including technology, healthcare, construction, and childcare, just to name a few.

Who is your target market/audience?

While we offer customized marketing solutions to individuals and companies of all sizes, our target partners are small-to-midsize companies. 

In your opinion, what makes Central Florida's business community special?

Central Florida’s business community is special because is it collaborative, diverse, and growing. The potential for business growth is tremendous. 

What is the most exciting thing you see happening in your industry?

Our industry is shifting from commodity-like products to value-added services, customer experiences, and long-term partnerships. We’ve recently added new equipment and technology solutions in order to be more responsive, efficient, and innovative in solving our customers’ communication challenges.

 

What is the biggest benefit to joining the AACCCF?

We have been an AACCCF member for nearly a decade. The benefits have been numerous, but the most beneficial have been (1) engaging with businesses in different industries, providing services to assist them with their business growth, (2) keeping abreast of region-specific business development opportunities to help our team strategize ways to grow.

Contact Josh and his team to see what they can do for you by visiting www.ilovealphagraphics.com

 

Business Spotlight: Kizzy's Books & More

Trenessa Williams is a member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida and the proud owner of Kizzy’s Books & More - an online independant bookstore bringing Black literature to the hands of Central Floridians. Her mission is to provide a place for lovers of African-American literature and other creative expressions with a welcoming ambiance and customer service!

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We sat down with Trenessa to learn all about her business and what lead her to join The Chamber. Here is what she had to say:
 
What do you think makes Central Florida a special place to do business?
TW: Central Florida is full of diversity, from Hispanic and Latino cultures to African Americans to Caribbean backgrounds, there are so many different cultures that bring multiple forms of art, and literature to the business landscape.
 
Because of this diversity, there is high demand for minority focused businesses like mine. This demand makes Central Florida a really beneficial location for me, and I'd say that's really special.
 
Who is your target market/audience?
TW: We consider our core audience to be those that love to read African American Literature, I'd say ages 20-49. This includes the Gen Z population, Millennials, and the end of the Gen X generation.
 
There are a lot of great books out there within African-American Literature that appeal to each of these generations, and at Kizzy's Books & More we carry a large variety of each.
 
What is the most exciting thing you see happening in your industry?
TW: It has been extremely exciting to see an increase in the customer base for African-American literature. A lot of independent minority owned bookstores are opening up and it's beautiful to see. For a while we were actually seeing a decrease in demand, but interest is on the rise! More of us are opening stores across the country because there is a need for places for us to buy and discuss our literature.
 
People are looking for unique and creative stories to meet their needs. People are craving diversity and again, I'll reiterate that they are specifically coming to Central Florida for that diversity!
 
What is the biggest benefit to joining the AACCCF?
TW: I actually followed The Chamber for a while and always wanted to join because I could so clearly see the positive impact that they have on the community supporting black business owners. Since joining I've greatly benefited from the events. Being able to go to workshops and network with professionals and businesses that can really help me to grow has been amazing.
 
What books are you currently reading?
TW: So many, but I actually just finished "Broken Promises" by S.K. Lessly and an audio book called "Slay" by Brittney Morris.
At this moment, I'm on the lookout for my next read.
 
To keep up with Kizzy's Books & More be sure to follow them on Facebook and sign up for their Newsletter on their website.
The Newsletter spotlights a curated list of fiction and nonfiction books for both adults and kids! 
 
 

2020 Eagle Awards Finalists Announced!

Following the annual State of The Chamber address on October 18, 2019, the finalists for the upcoming 2020 Eagle Awards finalists were revealed.

The Eagle Awards are the AACCCF’s crowning celebration for Central Florida’s most dynamic small businesses and  entrepreneurs, while also serving as a time to recognize and honor the corporations positively impacting our community by driving the growth and development of our vibrant and diverse business landscape.

Finalists were announced for 7 of the 8 categories:

Emerging Business of the Year Award Category:

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The 2020 Finalists are: Finalists: Osborne & Francis, Label Hoarder, and Palma Project

 

Business Enterprise of the Year Award Category:

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The 2020 Finalists are: Hair in Motion of New York, RTW Photography, and Hold My Luggage

 

Small Business Advocate Award Category:

75341189_2616032345101568_1600908154315472896_oThe 2020 Finalists are: Orange County Public Schools and Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

 

Corporate Recognition of the Year Award Category:

75247474_2615175438520592_6755839941491556352_oThe 2020 Finalists are: BB&T, Wells Fargo, OUC, and Duke Energy

 

Outstanding Community Achievement Award:

73179872_2615175048520631_322564890176782336_oThe 2020 Finalists are: Goldsboro West Side Historical Association, Wayne Densch Charities, and Elevate Orlando.

 

Outstanding Individual Community Achievement Award

74878878_2615175408520595_810157000984887296_oThe 2020 Finalists are: Nadine Mentor, Laine Powell, and Pastor Roderick Zak

 

The Eagle Award:

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The 2020 Finalists are: PSA Management, Compak Company, and Ardmore Roderick

 

Join us January 18, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, for The Eagle Awards! 

Tickets are on sale now and sponsorship opportunities are available! Click here for event details.


We Love Our Ambassadors

We kicked off the month of November in the spirit of Thanksgiving with the ultimate display of gratitude - an appreciation breakfast for our Chamber Ambassadors!

AACCCF breakfast 5

Who are the "Ambassadors" of the African American Chamber of Central Florida? They are members who volunteer additional time to help spread the word about all of the chamber's events and the benefit of going to friends, colleagues, strangers, and the Central Florida Community at large! 

1 AACCCF breakfast 8We held this breakfast to acknowledge their hard work and celebrate a job well done in 2019. Next time you see an ambassador give them a high five for us!

AACCCF Breakfast 3AACCCF breakfast 2

A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:

Universal Orlando Resort
NASCAR
Tupperware Brands Corporation
Wells Fargo Center
BB&T
Orlando Health
OUC - The Reliable One
Dukeenergy
AdventHealth
J.P. Morgan Chase