Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/533451
B M & T ••• March/April 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 36 Lifetime Achievement Award from NAB- HOOD, the 2010 Small Business Award from the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley & Region, and most recently, Outstanding Support of Leimert Park Village Award in 2011 from Leimert Park Village Merchants Association. AL HUTCHINSON serves as President & CEO at the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau. Hutchinson's focus is to showcase Mobile as one of the top destinations and a city suitable for any meeting. He recently received a Pioneer Award from the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, was a 2008 APEX Award for Distinguished Service recipient and recog- nized by Black Meetings & Tourism maga- zine in 2011, 2012 and 2013 as one of the most influential African-Americans in the industry. ANDREW "ANDY" INGRAHAM is a current resident of Broward County, Florida and a native of Nassau Bahamas. He has fused culture and commerce throughout his professional life. Ingraham came to the United States in 1972; succes- sively he became interested in becoming an entrepreneur and establishing a business in the U.S. He has over 27 years in the tourism industry, developing specific expertise in multicultural and Caribbean tourism. Ingraham first started by marketing South Florida's merchandises and services to the Caribbean islands. He launched, Horizons Marketing Group Intl., Inc. his first company in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Later, he saw the opportunity for multicul- tural tourism and began searching for ways hotels could cater to a more diverse popu- lation. He founded the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers, Inc. (NAB- HOOD) in 1999, which was officially incorporated in 2001. Ingraham is presi- dent/CEO of NABHOOD. NABHOOD was formed with its mission statement to increase the number of African-Americans developing, managing, operating and own- ing hotels; increase vendor opportunities and executive level jobs for minorities thereby creating wealth within the African- American community. Because of his knowledge and expertise, he is a constant source for articles and has been featured or quoted in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, National Public Radio, Hotel Business, Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine and a host of other pub- lications. He has spoken or participated as a panelist internationally and domestically on hotel investment & development and multicultural tourism. ROY JAY has created the pathway for many others to follow into the industry over the past 20 years. Jay is again being recog- nized as one of the most influential African- Americans in the convention and tourism industry. He has gone far beyond selling this home city of Portland, Oregon. He has served as instructor, facilitator, speaker, emcee, and mentor and guiding star for both minority and mainstream. Jay holds the undisputed record for host- ing the longest FAM trip (7 days) catering specifically to minority meeting planners and organizations. Understanding a client's needs is one of the factors that sets him apart from others. Rather than simply getting another contract signed to book rooms, "Mr. Hospitality Personality" also has been known to help many groups find financial sponsors or other ways to increase their meeting revenue. Jay and Portland, Oregon hospitality partners, have been known for their special VIP receptions that they host each September prior to the opening of Congressional Black Caucus. The invitation only event partners with other cities and facil- ities providing what many describe as an "over the top, first class reception" featuring great entertainment, food and networking opportunities attracting meeting planners, site selection committee members and asso- ciation executives. In previous years, his receptions have featured such entertainment as Hitzville – Motown Revue and Mary Wilson. Jay not only walks the walk, but talks the talk by financially and socially empower- ing African-Americans to provide various goods and services for many of these events. Jay continues to be a supporter of Black Meetings and Tourism Magazine and never forgets his friends who he has collaborated with on many programs. CHARLES JEFFERS II was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) in November of 2014. Charles believes strongly in the mission of DMAI and has devoted a sig- nificant amount of his volunteer time to