18 Jun 2026

AMAC Welcomes New and Returning Members to Its Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, DC (June 18, 2026) — The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 AMAC Board of Directors Elections.  Chair: Ricky Smith, General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport  Second Vice-Chair: Perry Miller, President & CEO, Richmond International Airport  Eastern Regional Director: Robin Gibson, Director, External Affairs & Partner Relations, Fraport USA Southeast Regional Director: Thiane Carter, Director, Small Business Programs, Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority  Southwest Regional Director: J. Goodwille Pierre, Division Manager, Office of Business Opportunity, Houston Airport System  Western Regional Director: Michael E. Washington, CEO, Cato Hospitality Group  At-Large Director: Tosin Kasali, Chief Development Officer, H.J. Russell … Read More

18 Jun 2026

AMAC Runway to Success Winner Love Cork Screw Reaches New Heights at the Obama Presidential Center

Congratulations to Chrishon Lampley, Founder of Love Cork Screw, on this incredible milestone! As a supplier participant and featured winner of the 2026 AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition, Chrishon continues to demonstrate the power of innovation, perseverance and strategic growth. We are excited to celebrate Love Cork Screw’s recent success as the white wine small-business vendor at the Obama Presidential Center. This achievement is a testament to Chrishon’s entrepreneurial vision and the impact that access to opportunity, mentorship … Read More
4 Jun 2026

AMAC Announces the 8 Contestants of the AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition to Compete at the 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference

Washington, DC (June 4, 2026) – The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) proudly unveils the Takeoff 8 contestants, this year’s standouts who have advanced from Rounds 1 and 2 to the Round 3/Final Competition of the 2026 AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition. These contestants will compete live at the 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference at National Harbor, MD. The Takeoff 8 contestants will exhibit their products in the Experience Hall and compete among VIP judges comprised of … Read More
28 May 2026

Taking Flight: AMAC Atlanta’s Round 1 Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition Celebrates Vision, Leadership & Opportunity

On April 24, 2026, the final stop of the Round 1 AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competitions was hosted by the AMAC Atlanta Chapter, and it was nothing short of absolutely electrifying! The atmosphere was filled with energy, excitement, innovation and opportunity as more than 20 emerging entrepreneurs and visionary business founders took center stage in the highly anticipated Battle of the Businesses Showcase. The event created a dynamic platform for aspiring airport entrepreneurs to showcase their brands, ideas … Read More
19 May 2026

Court Rules for Small Businesses, Dismisses Case Threatening Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

AMAC continues its role as part of a coalition vigorously defending the constitutionality of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE), ensuring its continued role in advancing economic opportunity and fairness in federally funded contracting. “Today’s outcome is a significant victory for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and the thousands of small businesses that help power America’s transportation industry,” said Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) President & CEO Eboni Wimbush. “The DBE Program was created to address … Read More
24 Apr 2026

St. Louis Round 1— The “Show Me State” Soars Again as AMAC’s Runway to Success Lifts Local Entrepreneurs In Competition

For the second consecutive year, St. Louis proved it’s more than just the Gateway City—it’s a gateway to opportunity. As one of just four host cities for the 2026 AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition (and the only city to host a second straight year), St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and the Office of Business Opportunities (OBO), welcomed more than 40 ambitious small businesses eager to break into the world of airport food, beverage, retail, and services. Following … Read More
24 Apr 2026

Round 1—AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition took the Windy City by Storm!

On April 16, 2026, Chicago became the epicenter of aviation innovation. Led by the AMAC Chicago Chapter, we gathered to dismantle barriers and unlock unprecedented access, proving that when we intentionally bridge the gap between capital and opportunity, minority-owned enterprises don’t just participate in the process…they lead. This competition was more than a pitch; it was a powerful statement about the ingenuity, resilience, and executive excellence thriving within our diverse business community as we redefine what is possible in the … Read More
16 Apr 2026

Meet the 2026 AMAC Board Candidates

We are pleased to share the official slate of candidates for the 2026 AMAC Board of Directors.  This group of leaders reflects the strength and expertise of our membership and represents a continued commitment to advancing AMAC’s mission of advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries.    2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS SLATE OF CANDIDATES   CHAIR  Ricky Smith, General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport    SECOND VICE-CHAIR  Marlene Coleman, Director, Strategic Alliance, Areas USA  Shelia Hudson, CEO, Hudson and Associates  Perry Miller, President … Read More
31 Mar 2026

Round 1—AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition Took Off in Detroit

On March 26, 2026, Detroit showed up—and the future of this industry was on full display. We are proud to announce the businesses advancing to the next round of the AMAC Runway to Success Pitch Competition: 🥇 First Place – Saint Martin | Sebastian Jackson & Gabrielle Jackson 🥈 Second Place – Spice King International Corp | Keith Lorren 🥉 Third Place – Hunnyverse | Doug Schwartz 🏅 Fourth Place – Belle Lavande Lavender Farm, LLC | Windy Mack & … Read More
27 Mar 2026

Project LIFT Takes Flight at Martin State Airport and the Maryland Aerospace Heritage Center

On March 17, 2026, the AMAC Foundation’s Project Leaders Inspiring Future Talent (LIFT) event brought students face-to-face with the world of aviation at Martin State Airport (MTN) and the Maryland Aerospace Heritage Center. Through a guided airport tour led by MTN staff, participants explored aircraft operations, facilities, and the future site of the air traffic control tower while gaining a deeper understanding of aviation environments. At the Maryland Aerospace Heritage Center, students engaged in dynamic speed-networking sessions with professionals across … Read More

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Judges

Each Runway to Success Competition will feature a judging panel composed of industry executives and business owners with expertise across the airport, aviation and transportation sectors, including operations, procurement and supplier management.

The final pitch competition, held at the AMAC Airport Business Conference, will feature a VIP panel of leaders from the largest airport food and retail operators in North America who possess the authority to extend a business offer.

Suppliers

Supplier applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Suppliers of Goods and Services Positioned to Support Growth, Innovation or Customer Experience in the Aviation Industry

  • Suppliers Offering Strategic, Innovative or Scalable Solutions

  • Must Be Registered as a Legal Business Entity and in Good Standing

  • At Least 51% Minority- or Woman-Owned

  • Able to Clearly Articulate the Value of Their Product or Service in a Short Pitch Format

  • Must Be Available to Attend the Live Pitch Event

  • Must Not Currently Have or Be In the Process of Establishing an Agreement With Any Operators or Airport Concessionaires

APPLY

HOSTS

AMAC is accepting applications from partners to host one of the eight (8) first-round Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competitions.

Hosting a first-round competition is critical to the overall Runway to Success Supplier Competition. Each host site serves as a gateway for local and regional entrepreneurs, small businesses and ACDBEs to access AMAC’s national platform and connect to contracting and partnership opportunities.

APPLY