- Popular Actor Boris Kodjoe to Serve as Master of Ceremonies -

(BLACK PR WIRE) – MIAMI (NOVEMBER 20, 2012) – Temperatures are expected to drop drastically, as the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce hosts its 7th Annual Gala. This year’s theme, “Seven Degrees of Empowerment,” is guaranteed to help South Floridians chill out at the Chamber’s signature event.

Big names such as Boris Kodjoe and hip-hop deejay Rob Base are among the stellar individuals headlining the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce’s 7th Annual Gala. The event will be held on December 1, 2012, 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Miami Downtown, 1601 Biscayne Boulevard.

The Annual Gala continues to attract business, political and civic leaders from across the region for an enchanting night of dinner, dancing and fun. This year, the event will be hosted by Kodjoe, renowned actor and business executive, and Sharon Lawson, Anchor with WTVJ-NBC6. More than 600 people are expected to attend the well-anticipated event.

“This year’s Annual Gala will be one of the best yet,” said Bill Diggs, president and CEO of the M-DCC. “Themed as the 7 Degrees of Empowerment, the Gala will help everyone to chill out, have some fun, and learn the seven tools used to embolden Miami-Dade organizations to succeed.”

The M-DCC will continue the tradition of recognizing three preeminent South Floridians at the gala. The chamber’s most distinguished recognition, the H.T. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award, will go to Frederick Jackson, Jr. He will be honored for his life-long contribution of community leadership and philanthropic effort to improve the quality of life for Miami-Dade County residents.

A native of Northern New Jersey, Jackson created and became CEO of the consulting firm of Beecher Jackson with an emphasis on organizational change, corporate and government strategic planning and Board governance and assessments for colleges, universities and non-profits. He is a strong community advocate and a business creator and innovator who is committed to promoting economic opportunity.

Albert E. Dotson, Jr., Partner, Government Relations & Land Development Practice Group Leader for Bilzin Sumberg, is being honored with this year’s Distinguished Service Award. He has demonstrated community leadership beyond the ordinary. He is currently recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Land Use & Zoning Law, and Government Relations Law. Outside of law, he has been just as influential. As Chairman Emeritus and Board Member of 100 Black Men of America, he has made a difference in the lives of many youth. He is being recognized for his work aiding youth in their quest for excellence.

Eric L. Poms will also be acknowledged for his selflessness, foresight and guidance to the South Florida community with the Citizen of the Year Award. A Miami Killian High School and University of Florida graduate, Poms’ experience and education in the area of event management and bowl game marketing in the South Florida market are second to none. He is committed to producing events which enhance the image, economy, and culture of South Florida. Throughout his career, Poms has set the standard and raised the bar. In fact, he is responsible for orchestrating the double hosting year for South Florida: the Orange Bowl Committee and the BCS National Championship – both coming up in January.

“We encourage everyone to join the Chamber for a wonder filled night of entertainment, honors and recognitions,” said Jessica J. Geter, Programs & Special Events Manager for M-DCC. “Feel the chill of the Seven Degrees of Empowerment and achieve business excellence. This event is not only hard to resist, but it’s not to be missed!”

Tickets to the Gala are $175 per person and $1,500 for a table of 10. The Title sponsor for the Miami-Dade Chamber’s 7th Annual Gala is Resorts World Miami. The Alpine sponsor is Carnival. Arctic sponsors include Bank of America, Consult 121, Florida Power & Light, Macy’s, and the Miami Dolphins. Polar sponsors include American Airlines, BCWF, CAC, Florida Memorial University, JWU, MAT, Orange Bowl Committee, Port of Miami, and the University of Miami.

Founded in 1974, the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce leads the way towards long-term business prosperity, by providing advocacy, networking, resources and training to men and women in business in South Florida. It is the largest minority chamber in South Florida.

For more information on the Seventh Annual Gala, 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 Seventh Annual Gala honorees are available for phone and on-air interviews with selected outlets. Please contact Bernadette Morris at bmorris@sonshine.com to make a request. Thank you! **