Press Release: California and Sacramento Asian Pacific Chambers of Commerce Name New Vice President of Public Policy
CALIFORNIA AND SACRAMENTO ASIAN PACIFIC CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE NAME NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC POLICY
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (April 22, 2024) — The California and Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (Chambers) are thrilled to announce the appointment of Johnnise Foster-Downs as their new Vice President of Public Policy. Ms. Foster-Downs brings over two decades of experience in political and government affairs to her new role, where she will lead the Chambers’ advocacy efforts and policy initiatives at both local and state levels.
Johnnise comes to the Chambers from PG&E, where she managed Government and Public Affairs. Prior to that, she served as the Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services, overseeing municipal contracts and government affairs for their Sacramento Business Unit. Her extensive background also includes roles as Director of Public Policy at the Sacramento Metro Chamber and Director of Local Government Affairs at the California Restaurant Association.
Pat Fong Kushida, President and CEO of both chambers, expressed her enthusiasm about the new appointment, saying, "Johnnise’s vast experience and proven ability to navigate complex political landscapes make her an ideal fit for this pivotal role. Her dedication to public service and her remarkable track record in advocacy will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to support and empower the diverse small business communities we serve."
In her new role, Johnnise will focus her efforts on promoting fair and equitable policies and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders to further the Chambers’ mission of inclusive economic development that benefit all communities.
"I am honored to join the CalAsian and SacAsian Chambers and excited to contribute to their mission of advocating for policies that support the success of California’s diverse business community," said Johnnise Foster-Downs. "Through collaboration and strategic advocacy, we can achieve significant and positive changes that benefit all stakeholders."
Business: Flawless Boxing & Fitness
Owner: Janelle and Brandon Gonzales
Location: Long Beach, CA
Video created by Arche Studios
In the city of Sacramento, a unique vision took shape in the form of Flawless Boxing & Fitness. Founded by Janelle and Brandon Gonzales, this gym emerged not just as a boxing training facility, but as a beacon of community, strength, and empowerment.
The Founders’ Journey
Brandon 'Flawless' Gonzáles, a former world-class professional boxer, and Janelle Gonzales, an accomplished boxer and social work professional, combined their passions to create a space that transcends the conventional gym experience. Brandon's storied career in the ring and Janelle's dedication to social work and boxing shaped their approach to Flawless Boxing & Fitness, envisioning it as a hub for personal growth and community development.
Services and Impact: Beyond Boxing
Flawless Boxing & Fitness offers diverse programs, including group sessions, individual training, and competitive boxing, all underpinned by a commitment to youth development and community support. Their programs are designed to empower individuals from all walks of life, building resilience and fostering a sense of belonging.
Overcoming Challenges: The Role of Sacramento MBDA Business Center
Initially, Flawless Boxing & Fitness grappled with typical startup challenges such as funding and establishing meaningful partnerships. A critical point in their journey was the collaboration with the CalAsian Chamber-operated Sacramento MBDA Business Center. This partnership not only provided connections to grant funding that enabled them to purchase resources, equipment, and protective gear for its youth programs, but offered a network of support and training, helping the gym to overcome its early obstacles and grow into a thriving community pillar.
Flawless Boxing & Fitness stands as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and the impact of strategic partnerships. The collaboration with the CalAsian Chamber and Sacramento MBDA Business Center has been pivotal in transforming challenges into opportunities, reinforcing the gym’s role as a cornerstone of community strength in Sacramento.
Stay Connected: Follow Brandon and Janelle’s inspiring journey:
Website: https://www.flawlessboxingfit.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Flawlessboxing/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flawlessboxingandfitness/
Press Release: Governor Newsom Signs Assembly Bill 258 into Law
Democratizing State Resources to Empower Minority-Owned Businesses in California
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (October 11, 2023) — The California Asian Pacific, African American and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce celebrated a significant legislative win for California’s small business community – the Small Business Information Act, Assembly Bill (AB) 258, authored by Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Reyes, was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom over the weekend.
“I introduced AB 258 after listening to my local small businesses to understand how to best serve them. We heard loud and clear that streamlined access to resources like state grants are a priority, and I'm thrilled that Governor Newsom agreed, signing legislation into law that will create the Small Business Portal to support small businesses in the Inland Empire and across California," said Reyes. "I want to express my gratitude to my colleagues in the Legislature and the California Asian Pacific, African American, and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce for their unwavering support in this effort.”
“Small businesses need to have information easily accessible and know what tools may be available to them - information that can help small business owners make decisions to be successful and grow” said Julian Cañete, President of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. “Creating easier access to these various vital tools is what AB 258 will do. Thank you to Governor Newsom for your signature.”
AB 258 will make necessary improvements to support minority-owned businesses and will improve accessibility to state resources for the communities that need it most. Many small businesses in California who are looking to partner with the state do not have the technical expertise to navigate the necessary state processes such as access to technical assistance, the procurement process, and locating grants. Democratizing and illuminating state processes will provide small businesses more opportunities to grow and ensure public resources are reaching the hardest-hit communities.
"We commend the Governor's approval of AB 258, a crucial step to support small businesses” said Ahmad Holmes, Chief Operating Officer at the California African American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC). “As co-sponsors, CAACC is proud to unite with our partners in creating a more accessible business environment. AB 258's Go-Biz web portal will benefit minority entrepreneurs by streamlining access to essential resources. This legislation highlights our commitment to economic growth and equity in California. We thank Assemblywoman Eloise Reyes for her leadership and look forward to empowering businesses and promoting economic equity."
Pat Fong Kushida, President & CEO of the CalAsian Chamber shared, “Our deepest gratitude and appreciation go out to Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Reyes, for her commitment in ensuring that California’s small businesses have an equal seat at the table. And to our partners at the California African American and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce - our collective voices have truly made a difference and small businesses up and down the state will have unprecedented opportunities.”
“We applaud Governor Newsom for signing AB 258 and recognizing the small business owners that play a critical role in our economy” said Kushida. “This bill will bring us one step closer to eliminating the accessibility gap and providing the diverse small business community with equal opportunities.”
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About the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce
The California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian Chamber) was founded in 2010 to give a voice to the more than 754,000 AAPI- owned businesses in California. Today, CalAsian is the largest statewide ethnic chamber in the state and operates three federal business centers, dozens of programs providing technical and financial assistance to small businesses, and a foundation offering leadership and workforce development programs. Learn more at calasiancc.org
About the California African American Chamber of Commerce
As California’s largest statewide African-American Chamber organization, the California African-American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) aims to drive economic opportunity and wealth creation for African-American businesses. We aim to connect and harness the collective strength of our statewide network of member organizations to elevate our fiscal health, fostering growth and prosperity for all. Learn more at calaacc.org
About the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) represents over 815,000 Latino-owned businesses in California generating over $100 billion in annual revenue, over 670,000 jobs, and $25 billion in payroll income for the state of California. Learn more at cahcc.com
Press Release: CA's Minority Entrepreneurs to Receive Millions in Investment Capital to Support State’s Move to a Low Carbon Future
Electrify California Program” Funding Announcement Part of Historic Investment by Biden-Harris Administration to Help Disadvantaged Entrepreneurs
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (August 9, 2023) — Minority entrepreneurs in California will soon have access to millions of dollars in U.S.-backed investment capital to support their growth in California’s low carbon economy thanks to a new business incubator and accelerator program run by the CalAsian Chamber in partnership with the Fresno Metro Black Chamber, and the Northern California Small Business Development Center.
The “Electrify California” Partnership, spearheaded by the CalAsian Chamber, was announced on August 4th as one of 43 national awardees to the new U.S. Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) Capital Readiness Program, a $125 million technical assistance program to help minority and other underserved entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses – the largest investment of its type in history. Awardees will help entrepreneurs secure capital from the $10 billion State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and other capital sources.
“We are thrilled that the Biden-Harris Administration has selected the Electrify California business incubator and accelerator program as an effective way to help minority and disadvantaged small businesses gain entry to the massive market transition underway to a low carbon future,” said Pat Fong Kushida, President and CEO of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian), who was in Washington, D.C., for the awards announcement with Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Department of Commerce officials. “This federal program allows us to respond directly to what minority and underserved entrepreneurs tell us they need most –access to capital and critical networks as well as high-value technical support.”
"We are humbled and thrilled to partner with the CalAsian Chamber in its efforts to Electrify California,” said Dr. Cassandra Little, CEO of the Fresno Metro Black Chamber Commerce. “We recognize that diversity and inclusion are integral to unlocking the full potential of sustainable energy solutions. We aim to build an equitable, cleaner, and more vibrant future for our state and beyond through our Transform Fresno - Bizwerx Clean Shared Mobility Network EV Accelerator to reinforce our commitment to revolutionize California's electric vehicle landscape."
“We are extremely excited to work with CA Asian Chamber of Commerce and provide business loan advice to minority and underserved businesses focusing on connecting them to SSBCI lenders,” said Kristin Johnson, Executive Director of Norcal Small Business Development Centers (SBDC).
Electrify California is a fully integrated finance and technical assistance program providing both early-stage incubator services and emerging company accelerator services to socially and economically disadvantaged individual (SEDI) entrepreneurs, with plans to assist over 1,200 entrepreneurs over four years with credit and capital access combined with hands-on business support to enter and expand in low carbon economy growth industries.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 re-authorized the Department of Treasury’s SSBCI program to help revive entrepreneurship in America after the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. SSBCI provides a combined $10 billion to empower small businesses to access capital, including credit and investment programs for existing small businesses and start-ups and technical assistance to small businesses applying for SSBCI funding and other government small business programs.
To learn more about the MBDA Capital Readiness Program, click here.
Press Release: Awardees Announced for the 2023 California Diversity Awards
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 6, 2023) — The 2023 California Diversity Awards will take place on June 29, 2023, hosted in partnership by the California African American, Asian Pacific, and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. The awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) across California. After a selection committee reviewed all nominations, the Chambers are proud to announce this year’s awardees:
- Public Official: Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis
- Community Organization: California Farmworker Foundation
- Corporation: Banc of California
Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis has been a strong advocate for DE&I in her role at the State Capitol. Her work within higher education has resulted in greater accessibility and diversity in admissions at statewide universities and colleges. The Lt. Governor has worked alongside Governor Gavin Newsom to promote equality and opportunity for all Californians.
The California Farmworker Foundation (CFF) is a leader in promoting the rights and well-being of California farmworkers. CFF serves historically underserved populations and provides solutions for community-wide issues such as housing, food insecurity and healthcare. They empower individuals to become advocates for themselves and their communities in the farm-working industry.
Banc of California (BOC) is committed to helping their clients and communities thrive. In 2022, BOC launched a $1.4 billion Community Benefits Plan to further this work. Additionally, BOC supports initiatives and organizations tackling important issues such as affordable housing, financial literacy, workforce development and helping small businesses led by women and people of color.
This achievement for the awardees was recognized by Pat Fong Kushida, President & CEO of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, Ahmad Holmes, Interim COO of the California African American Chamber of Commerce and Julian Cañete, President & CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce in a joint statement.
“As one of the most diverse states in the nation, Californians deserve leaders who are committed to prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion. It is a great privilege to recognize and honor these dedicated individuals and organizations who are championing our state’s diverse communities.”
The 2023 California Diversity Awards winners will be recognized during a private event in Downtown Sacramento. More information about the event is available at cadiversityawards.com.