Michael Garner, the chief business diversity officer for the New York City office of M/WBEs will be the keynote speaker at the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s 16th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala.
The annual Black History Month, black-tie, awards gala, to be held Feb. 19 at the Venetian in Garfield, is widely known as the premier Black History Month event in the state. It always sells out.
AACCNJ CEO John Harmon said Garner will help this year’s event rise to the occasion.
“Michael Garner’s illustrious tenure at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority from 2009 through 2023 is responsible for more than $20 billion in payments to New York State/City Minority and Women-owned Businesses,” he said.
“With this history of impact, he is well equipped to deliver on the mission of the Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises: to address historic disparities in City contracting and to provide minority and women entrepreneurs increased opportunities to do business with New York City.”
Garner also serves as a member of the steering committee of the New York State Business Alliance run by Harmon, enabling the group to make tremendous progress as a new business entity in the region, he said.
Each year during Black History Month, the AACCNJ recognizes a distinguished group of African Americans that have attained a significant level of personal accomplishment and/or recognition in business, education, public service, sports, entrepreneurship, entertainment or culture.
This year’s honorees include:
- Stedman Graham: CEO, S. Graham & Associates
- Floyd A.B. Rance III, Stephanie Tavares-Rance: Founders, Run&Shoot Filmworks
- Karine Apollon: Chief Diversity Officer, NYC Department of Education
- Adenah Bayoh: CEO, Adenah Bayoh and Companies
- Tanya Freeman: Managing Partner, Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law
The evening will begin with a “Black Carpet Experience” and VIP Reception, featuring Stedman Graham, for the honorees and sponsors.
Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception in the newly renovated grand ballroom and will move to the Palazzo ballroom for dinner, dancing and the awards ceremony.
There will be a meet-and-greet event with Stedman Graham, for a select number of sponsors.
Graham will make remarks to the attendees, during the Cocktail Hour in the Club Room. Attendees will also be able to pre-order copies of Stedman Graham’s books: Identity Leadership Book, Identity Leadership Planner, Identity Leadership Passport to Freedom.
The Awards Gala provides the platform, on behalf of the members of the AACCNJ and the over 124,000 Black-owned businesses in the state of N.J., to increase the visibility of its members and their businesses.
AACCNJ Chair Gary Mann, the CEO of Jasfel Analytics, said it’s a can’t-miss event.
“This is a phenomenal event with unlimited opportunities to network with decision makers and potential partners,” he said. “If you are a business owner in New Jersey, and you do not attend this event, you are at least six months behind our members and attendees in building a pipeline for your business.”
