International Focus Magazine Vol. 3, #10 | Page 22

seen on the scene The Greater Houston Black Chamber Announces Winners of Coveted Pinnacle and Upstart Awards at the 24th Annual Celebration of Black Business Excellence The Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) held its 24th Annual Pin- nacle Awards at the Marriott Marquis Houston Hotel, where several of Hous- ton’s best and most promising black-owned businesses received high honors. The GHBC Pinnacle Award recognizes leading African-American entrepre- neurs for their success in business and their positive impact on the communi- ties and industries they serve. Each year, five Pinnacle Awards and one Upstart Award are handed out to some of the most successful small businesses. This is the first year a Rising Star awardee was also named. The 2018 winners are: Upstart Award: Bonita Billings, B’s Wine Bar Rising Star Award: Fern Carty Dawkins, JM Carty Holdings, LLC Pinnacle Award: Danette K. Davis, Kay Davis and Associates Pinnacle Award: Richard Robertson, Iron Horse Freight Line, Inc. Pinnacle Award: Brandi Harleux, South Post Oak Recycling Center Pinnacle Award: Spurgeon Robinson, MPACT Strategic Consulting Pinnacle Award: Dr. Milton D. Moore, Moore Unique Skin Care and Unique Dermatology In addition to these prestigious honors, the GHBC also honored several other businesses and individuals with Community Awards including: Lifetime Achievement Award: Ebony Magazine - Williard Jackson, Michael Gibson and Linda Johnson Rice Excellence Award - Marcus Davis, TBK Foods Larry V. Green Advocate of the Year Award – Donovan Casanave, Shell Mickey Leland Entrepreneur Public Leadership Award - Charlotte Kelly Bryant, Blue Triangle Endurance Award - Gerald Womack, Womack Development Bob Harvey with the Greater Houston Partnership and Cheryl Creuzot of Wealth Development Strategies and Percy Creuzot of the Frenchy’s franchise were the event co-chairs. 21 iF Magazine | November 2018