The Quest for Success Awards Luncheon began in 1985. The Quest is co-sponsored by the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, JPMorgan Chase, The Dallas Morning News along with WFAA-TV, Inc. and is held annually in February. This year marks the 30th year anniversary of this premier event.
The Quest for Success Award recognizes up to 12 African American entrepreneurs in the Dallas- Fort Worth area by honoring their significant contributions to the business and civic communities. The recipients are selected from nominations submitted by individuals in the community and the business sector. Quest Award recipients represent diverse sectors.
This year’s honorees include: Chris Adams, president and CEO of Brooklyn Sweeps Inc.; Carl Dorvil, CEO of Group Excellence Inc.; Gerry Gilliam, owner, G&G Protection; Jamie Grant, president, JDG Wealth Management Group LLC; William Mahomes, managing shareholder, Mahomes Bolden PC; Stephan Douglas Mason, president, Mas-Tek Engineering; Linda Mitchell, president and CEO, Black and Clark Funeral Home; Stottie Smitt II, managing broker, Scottie Smith II and Associates Real Estate Advisors; Cynthia Trigg, founder and CEO, Evolution Academy Charter School.
The luncheon was packed this year and WFAA Channel 8 news anchor John McCaa once again emceed the annual event and as usual wowed the crowd with his trademark sense of humor and candor. DBCC board chair, Matt Houston, addressed the luncheon attendees and words were delivered by Wilton Munnings, DBCC president and COO; and key Quest for Success sponsor Michelle Thomas of JPMorgan Chase.
In August, the chamber will conduct its first-ever State of Black Business in North Texas Forum. This event will inform members and the community on the climate, condition, and trends of African American-owned businesses. It will provide a statistical overview of the state of Black business, the numbers and trends in various industries, and potential growth opportunities. The break-out sessions will use the findings to provide discussion and planning opportunities.
The August event will be a critically important forum for those in black business to discuss and design a strategic plan for how to have a greater economic impact within our communities. So mark your calendars, you will want to join this discussion with black business leaders from across North Texas.
For photos of the luncheon click through the gallery. Photographs courtesy of Wallace Fagget
