By Patricia McDougall

The D.C. Chamber of Commerce held their Annual Choice Awards and Gala at the Hilton Hotel with a theme of “Elevate, Advocate and Connect” on Nov. 10. Angela Franco, president of the D.C. Chambers shared welcoming remarks to the audience. D.C. Chamber Chairwoman Tonya Vidal Kinlow, gave greetings on behalf of the board and the program began with many receiving awards including the Ali family which was recognized for their staple business, Ben’s Chili Bowl. 

D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser received the D.C. Chamber Chairwoman Award. 

  • Angela Franco (left), president of D.C. Chamber of Commerce presents D.C. Mayor Honorable Muriel E. Bowser with the D.C. Chamber Chairwomen Award, alongside D.C. Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman Tonya Vidal Kinlow. (Photo by Patricia McDougall)
  • Shown here, Kamal Ali (left), Virginia Ali, Sonya Ali and Vida Ali, of Ben’s Chili Bowl. (Photo by Patricia McDougall)
  • David Wilmot, recipient of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year Award, with daughters, Fiona Wilmot (left) and Vanéna Wilmotz. (Photo by Patricia McDougall)
  • Thomas Kadida (left), principal of Kadida Development Group, with African American Real Estate Professionals D.C. President Heather Wellington and Buwa Binitie, awardee and founder of Dante Partners. (Photo by Patricia McDougall)
  • Maurice Edington, University of the District of Columbia (UDC) president (left) with wife Tonya Edington, Councilmember Robert White (D- D.C.- At-large) with Devon Bell, wife of UDC Board of Trustee Chair Christopher Bell. (Photo by Patricia McDougall)
  • Performance by Sirius Co. feat Kim Michelle and Frank “Scooby” Sirius. (Photo by Patricia McDougall)
  • Robert Arrington, Simone Williams-Arrington and C. Brian Williams, executive producer at Step Afrika. (Photo by Patricia McDougall)
  • Graham McLauglin (left), Jan Adams and Councilmember Brandon T. Todd (D- D.C.- Ward 4) enjoy the evening’s atmosphere. (Photo by Patricia McDougall)