LOS ANGELES (Feb. 22, 2024) – The nation’s top artists and performer vie for Oscars and Grammys; the region’s top business advocates are honored each year with Bizzis. The Los Angeles County Business Federation, widely known as “BizFed,” is proud to continue its tradition of recognizing extraordinary business leadership with its third annual Bizzi Awards Ceremony.
The event Friday, March 22 at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles will spotlight small businesses that take on outsize advocacy challenges, courageous organization leaders that take a stand for entire industries and public officials who consistently keep their doors open for job creators.
The 18 honorees listed below will receive 2024 Bizzi Awards at the ceremony. Awardees include one elected official and one business (or business organization) effectively leading in each of the county’s five supervisorial districts. BizFed will also present special awards recognizing excellence in advocacy, policy-shaping impact, common-sense leadership and community engagement.
BizFed Founding Chair David Fleming, whose sustained advocacy has ensured voices representing all industries are heard and heeded, will be honored with the second annual Richard Riordan Legacy Award. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger received BizFed’s inaugural Richard Riordan Legacy Award in 2023.
“Recognizing movers and shakers can start a ripple effect of positive change. We hope our efforts to spotlight these 18 Bizzi Award winners will inspire more business community members to get engaged in policy issues that impact employers and help great jobs stay and grow in California,” said Tracy Hernandez, Founding CEO of BizFed.
“BizFed members spearhead serious advocacy campaigns, but we also know how to have fun. This year’s Bizzi Awards Ceremony will bring together diverse partners from across the region for a celebratory extravaganza,” said Fran Inman, Chair of BizFed’s Board of Directors.
Inman performed an acapella rap at the 2023 Bizzi Awards while presenting the top advocate award. She remained tightlipped about fanfare planned for the 2024 presentation of awards, only noting that it “will be even more fun than last year.”
Nominees were vetted by selection committee members with deep roots in all five supervisorial districts. They represent BizFed’s massive network of nonprofit association members and investing members. Congratulations to all 2024 Bizzi Award winners!
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ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Brissa Sotelo-Vargas – Valero Energy
CHANGEMAKERS OF THE YEAR
Eddie Navarrette – Independent Hospitality Coalition
Mott Smith – Council of Infill Builders
RICHARD RIORDAN LEGACY AWARD
David Fleming
COMMON SENSE AWARD
Senator Josh Newman
BIG LIFT AWARD
Andy Henderson – The Henderson Law Firm
Rich Lambros – Southern California Leadership Council
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR AWARD
Wanda Love – Gardena Chamber
BUSINESS NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
Supervisorial District 1
Industry Business Council
ELECTED OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Supervisorial District 1
Senator Susan Rubio
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Supervisorial District 2
Primestor
ELECTED OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Supervisorial District 2
Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker
BUSINESS NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
Supervisorial District 3
West Los Angeles Chamber
ELECTED OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Supervisorial District 3
Assemblymember Luz Rivas
BUSINESS NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
Supervisorial District 4
San Pedro Chamber
ELECTED OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Supervisorial District 4
Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Supervisorial District 5
Tejon Ranch
ELECTED OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Supervisorial District 5
Pasadena City Councilmember Felicia Williams
