Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce’s 20th Annual Pinnacle Awards Gala

On Saturday, October 11, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at The Power Center for the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce’s 20th Annual Pinnacle Awards Gala. A “sold out” crowd of over 600 guests attended the gala that saluted the achievements of the city’s Black-owned businesses. The black-tie gala included appearances by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who accepted the Chamber’s Public Leadership Award, and The Honorable Annise D. Parker, Mayor of the City of Houston. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the four local businesses, which were honored with Pinnacle Awards - Autos R Us Collision Center, Elite Change, Facility Interiors, and Industrial Welding Academy. Unity Bank was honored with The GHBC’s Endurance Award. The Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement was given to Earl Graves, Sr., and accepted by his son Michael Graves, who now makes Houston his home. Scott Minnix, of the City of Houston’s Office of General Services received the GHBC’s Advocate Award for his efforts to award contracts to certified businesses. The Excellence Award was bestowed on James Davis, President of Gulfgate Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. Some in attendance were Vernita Harris, Michael Harris, Wayne Luckett, Nikole Larios, Larry Jones, Ayana Mack, Cary P. Yates, DeAndre Sam, Mia Wright, Scott Minnix, Paul Cannings Jr., Latoya Bullard-Franklin, James Davis, Carol Y. Guess, Robert Collier, Carla Lane, Earl Graves Sr., Johnson Rose, George E. Johnson, James Donatto II, Theadore Andrews, and LaMetrice Dopson.