The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) is pleased to announce the honorees for its Fifteenth Annual Corporate Awards Dinner. This esteemed event will take place on October 16th at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, located at 100 College Road East, Princeton, NJ, commencing with a cocktail reception from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Each October, the AACCNJ hosts this dinner to acknowledge corporations and small business owners who have made significant contributions to the success of the AACCNJ and the state of New Jersey.
John E. Harmon, Sr., Founder, President & CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ, stated, “The 2025 honorees have played a pivotal role in positioning our members, communities, and countless individuals in realizing their ambitions, thereby upholding the significance of capitalism and free enterprise. Through our engagement with representatives of both the private and public sectors, we forge these alliances to mitigate the systemic underperformance of the over 1.2 million Black people in New Jersey.”
This year’s “2025 Changemakers” include:
George Sowa, Founding Chief Executive Officer, GREATER TRENTON: The AACCNJ is delighted to recognize George Sowa, whose family has a century-long history in Trenton. We honor his 40-year career in real estate development, finance, and management, and his crucial role as the founding CEO of Greater Trenton, an organization established in 2015 to advance economic revitalization efforts in Trenton, New Jersey, our state’s capital city. George Sowa expressed, “The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey is committed to improving the economic climate of the state and empowering and sustaining African American communities. I am thrilled, honored, and humbled to be named, together with the other very impressive honorees, as a 2025 Changemaker by such an impressive and impactful organization.”
Edward C Funches, President, Inclusion Mobile Detailing: The AACCNJ is pleased to honor Ed Funches for his exceptional leadership and vision. Since its inception, Inclusion Mobile Detailing has successfully employed numerous individuals from disadvantaged communities and those with disabilities. Edward’s exemplary leadership inspires corporations and individuals to hire others who may have a disability, and Inclusion is at the forefront of securing new contracts and forging partnerships with local and national businesses. Edward Funches shared, “I am truly honored and thankful for this acknowledgment from the African American Chamber of Commerce. In my opinion, this is the best chamber for supporting individuals with disabilities, returning citizens, and those experiencing homelessness. Mr. Harmon and his team are deeply committed to uplifting disadvantaged communities and creating meaningful opportunities for those often overlooked. Their dedication and belief in second chances make a real difference, and I’m proud to be recognized by such an impactful organization.”
First Bank: The AACCNJ is delighted to honor First Bank. As a community bank, First Bank genuinely prioritizes the community, demonstrating its commitment to meeting the diverse financial needs of our communities, empowering small businesses, engaging in community service, and promoting eco-friendly practices. Darleen R. Gillespie, EVP/Chief Retail Banking Officer at First Bank, commented, “First Bank’s tagline says it all: Personal Bankers. Real Relationships. Old-school relationships that begin with a conversation—that’s the secret behind First Bank’s success. It’s a business philosophy that runs deeper than a tagline or a logo. The bank operates with a long-term approach, which centers on being a solution provider. When you bank with First Bank, you have a Personal Banker.”
Noelle Baptiste, Co-Founder & Lead Graphic Artist, and Tahji Wright, Co-Founder & Lead Digital Media Strategist, Noir Marketing & Design, LLC: The AACCNJ is pleased to honor Noelle Baptiste and Tahji Wright, the creative force behind Noir Marketing & Design LLC. Their marketing brand is truly unparalleled, and their creativity, development, and management of AACCNJ newsletter communications, social media presence, and print marketing collateral are significant contributions. Their expertise in leveraging modern technology in an ever-evolving landscape on behalf of our members and staff is invaluable. Noelle Baptiste and Tahji Wright stated, “Thank you to the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey for this prestigious recognition. The Chamber serves as a unifying force, bringing together creative individuals who value the intersections of consistency, creativity, and resilience. Noir Marketing & Design LLC is honored to be acknowledged by this community for our work, and we are inspired to continue our growth within the marketplace.”
We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of these distinguished honorees.