(BLACK PR WIRE) – MIAMI (NOVEMBER 9, 2011) – Tracy Wilson Mourning, Doug E. Fresh and Frederica Wilson are just three on a stellar team joining the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce (M-DCC) for their signature event. Set for December 3, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Miami, the Annual Gala continues to attract business, political and civic leaders from across the region for a night of fanciful fun and entertainment. The event will be hosted this year by Mourning, founder of Honey Shine Mentoring Program, and Eric Knowles, senior director of government affairs for the Miami Dolphins. More than 600 are expected to attend celebrating the 2011 theme “Unmasking Business Success” – unlocking the economic potential every business has waiting to break out of it.

“Year after year, our Annual Gala ignites the South Florida business and social scene,” said Bill Diggs, president and CEO of the M-DCC. “The entire community supports the chamber’s effort to provide a joyous atmosphere for connecting our town’s power players. We have more up our sleeve than ever before to make this gala the best one yet – you won’t want to miss it!”

This year’s gala promises to pop with legendary hip-hop icon Doug E. Fresh providing the night’s entertainment. Dubbed “The World’s Greatest Entertainer,” Fresh is recognized nationwide for rocking “old school” and “new school” crowds alike at formal events and concerts.

The M-DCC will continue the tradition of recognizing preeminent South Floridians at the gala. The chamber’s most distinguished recognition, the H.T. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award, will go to U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-FL). She will be honored for her life-long contribution of community leadership and philanthropic effort to improve quality of life for Miami-Dade County residents.

Alberto Carvalho, superintendent of schools for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, is being honored with this year’s Distinguished Service Award for his work aiding children and youth in their quest for excellence. Thelma Gibson will also be acknowledged for her celebrated work in volunteerism, education, health care and service to the wider South Florida community with the Citizen of the Year Award.

Al Dotson, Jr., partner at Bilzin Sumberg and chairman of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., joins Alvin West, CFO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, on the Host Committee this year. Additional local leaders round out the committee including representatives from University of Miami (Sergio Gonzalez, senior VP of university advancement), Young Professionals Network Miami (Brandon Okpalobi, president), Florida Power & Light (Aletha Player, manager of corporate & internal affairs), and city of Miami Beach (Michael Aller, tourism and convention director).

Opportunities to become a Gala partner are still available. Companies, including leading aviation products and services provider AAR (NYSE: AIR) and Carnival Cruise Lines, have pledged their support and are gaining widespread exposure as the Sixth Annual Gala season gears up.

“From education and networking to expert advice and promotional opportunities, the chamber helps unlock the resources right at your fingertips,” continued Diggs. “This gala season, we’re celebrating our collective effort to prosper.”

For more information on the corporate benefits of becoming a Sixth Annual Gala sponsor, or to reserve your space, please contact the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce at (305) 751-8648 or visit their website at m-dcc.org.

** Media note: Bill Diggs and the Sixth Annual Gala honorees are available for phone and on-air interviews with selected outlets. Please contact Matthew Beatty at mbeatty@sonshine.com to make a request. Thank you! **