Celebrating Business Leadership

by Maria S. Salinas

Each year, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the business community throughout the Los Angeles region. Businesses create jobs that support families and foster innovation to meet the future. As the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 135th year, the Chamber is excited to recognize business leaders who work to uplift their communities and strive to create A Thriving Region For All at our annual Inaugural.

The Distinguished Business Leader Award is given to an individual who not only demonstrates extraordinary business success, but also a commitment to the greater community through their leadership and philanthropic pursuits. Our 2023 honoree is Cástulo de la Rocha, President & CEO of AltaMed Health Services. Under his visionary leadership, he has transformed AltaMed Health Services into one of the nation’s largest health care systems with more than 61 sites in Los Angeles and Orange County providing compassionate care to more than 500,00 patients each year.

The Corporate Leadership Award is given to a company that has demonstrated exceptional business leadership and dedication to the growth and prosperity of the Los Angeles region. Our 2023 honoree is The Home Depot. The company operates 2,300 retail stores, employs nearly 500,000 associates and is committed to living by eight core values. Central to that commitment is the dedication to job creation, taking care of their associates, helping customers grow their businesses, connecting customers with trusted home services providers, and supporting communities.

The Chamber’s inaugural Community Impact Awards are presented to partners for their tireless efforts to reach underserved communities with resources and support. We are excited to present our first-ever Community Impact Awards to:

• Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE) and Kerry Doi, President & CEO. PACE is one of the largest Asian-led community development corporations in the U.S. PACE annually serves more than 40,000 low-income residents.
• Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC) and Joseph T. Rouzan III. VSEDC supports the economic development of small businesses with solutions and resources in South Los Angeles.
• New Economics for Women (NEW) and Bea Stotzer, CEO. NEW’s mission is to build economic mobility, particularly for Latinas and their families, through wealth creation, housing, education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.

We are excited to celebrate the impactful leadership of our honorees at our upcoming Inaugural gathering.