By Antonio Ray Harvey
Contributing Writer
SACRAMENTO — In step with its commitment to drive economic growth, equity, and wealth creation for African American businesses in the Golden State, the California African American Chamber of Commerce held its third annual California American Economy Summit at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento on Jan. 28.
Organized by chamber President and CEO Ahmad Holmes, along with CB Communications, members and the board of directors of the statewide organization shared the group’s current priorities and talked about its growing influence across California.
“This is not just about being a state chamber,” said Chairperson Patricia Watts, who is also the proprietor of Cerritos-based FCI Management, an energy and water consulting firm. “This is about all of the information we are gathering for our CAACC membership that trickles down to all the chambers across the state.
“The idea is that we are one voice. Especially when it comes to policy issues and information sharing. We’re only stronger if we work together,” Watts said, speaking about the chamber’s growing influence.
With the theme “Driving Equity Through Economic Innovation,” discussions at the chamber summit focused on the intersection of policy and commerce, aiming to widen access to California’s economic landscape for historically underfunded communities.
The agenda included plenary sessions with topics covering building economic power through artificial intelligence, strengthening Black businesses, increasing state contracting opportunities and cross-sector collaboration to drive business growth.
“We’re grateful for all the entrepreneurs that were here, all the corporate leaders, the policymakers, investors, and community champions all in one single room,” Holmes said. “We are united in the shared belief that we believe Black businesses can grow in California. We truly believe that it is greatly possible.
“This summit is more than just a conference. It’s a call to action. It’s about access to capital.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered a video message opening the summit.
State officials like Controller Malia Cohen and Treasurer Fiona Ma also attended.
Cohen highlighted the importance of achieving equitable economic growth, supporting Black-owned businesses, expanding access to state resources, and bringing awareness to the billions of unclaimed property dollars. She emphasized strengthening local economies and utilizing the State Controller’s Office to help small businesses.
“I want to share this update because the relationship between us — my office and your businesses — is a partnership that’s grounded in transparency, and, most importantly, reliability,” Cohen said. “You want to know that these numbers that I’m giving you are accurate and responsible.
“I feel a sense of responsibility to make sure our bond rating is high, to make sure that you have access to the capital that you need, that you are aware of the opportunities that the state of California has (for small businesses).”
Ma participated in a fireside chat with Regina Brown Wilson, the executive director of California Black Media.
Their conversation focused on economic development, infrastructure investment, and fiscal stewardship aimed at driving long-term growth in California. In addition, Ma shared insights on state-level initiatives designed to expand access to capital and support small business growth for underserved entrepreneurs.
Chamber board member Vic Baker noted that Ma has attended many of the statewide business advocacy group’s functions, sharing critical information about economic advancement and opportunity.
“The one thing that you can depend on is that Fiona Ma is here. She shows up,” said Baker, president of EquitiFy, a professional development and consulting firm. “Fiona Ma supports the work that CAACC does.”
Members of the Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce and the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce were present at the summit. The California African American Chamber of Commerce functions in a unified coalition with those chambers. The alliance was formed to drive collective growth for diverse businesses across the state.
Closing out the event, Toks Omishakin, California secretary of the State Transportation Agency; Danetta Jackson of the Department of General Services; and former Major League Baseball player and 2022 World Series–winning manager Dusty Baker were honored with community recognition awards.
Derek Smith, a chamber board member who chairs both the Audit Committee and the Political Action Committee, said the organization is continuing to expand its membership, raise its profile, and execute a strategic plan aimed at reaching every region of the state.
Smith, the founder and managing member of Marinship Development Interest, noted that the chamber has already held summits and conferences in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Burlingame and Redwood City, with plans to bring future gatherings to San Diego, the Central Coast and the Central Valley.
“Leadership matters,” Smith said. “This summit is the best one I’ve ever been a part of. We are becoming a force, and I think the state has been waiting for someone to step up. We had a few chambers out there, but we’re finally stepping in and taking control. We’re going to lead for as long as we can.”
Antonio Ray Harvey is a reporter for California Black Media.
