Letter from the Publisher and Editor

Josh Schimmels
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Dear Community Leaders,

The ground-shaking events of the past several weeks — sparked by the death of George Floyd and subsequent demonstrations that have prompted hundreds of thousands to raise their voices for social and racial justice — have opened hearts and minds.

As our communities look for ways to move forward constructively, the need to effect change has never been greater. The business world is uniquely positioned to help drive that change — particularly in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Business Journal firmly believes that our Community of Business, an extensive and compassionate network of forward-looking companies and visionary leaders, can play an important role at this crucial time.

That’s why, in an effort to improve dialogues and open opportunities, the Business Journal is proud to support and partner with the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce.

For the next month, starting with this week’s issue, we’re donating full-page advertisements to the chamber to help promote black-owned businesses throughout our region. The first ad appears on page 5.

In coming weeks, you’ll have the privilege of learning about 15 amazing companies that have been chosen by GLAAACC for its annual Business Evolution Program, an intensive mentorship initiative that pairs entrepreneurs with corporate leaders to provide resources to small black-owned businesses.

As a community, we should be engaging with these companies, as well as with the spectrum of other black-owned businesses in Los Angeles.

By finding ways to lift up key segments of our Community of Business, we strengthen not only those companies but the entirety of Los Angeles along with it.

Sincerely,

Josh Schimmels

Publisher & CEO

Scott Robson

Editor

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Josh Schimmels
Josh Schimmels
Josh Schimmels is the Publisher and CEO of the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ). Having previously served as an executive with the LABJ, he returned to the company in April of 2020. Schimmels was Associate Publisher and Vice President at the Business Journal from 2010 to 2015. He began his career in 1999 with a five-year turn at the Business Journal’s sister publication, the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. Prior to returning to Los Angeles last year, he was with Phoenix-based AZ Big Media, where he served as publisher, contributing six years at the company in two different roles. AZ Big Media publishes nine magazines including Arizona Business magazine, AZRE and Ranking Arizona. It also hosts one of the state’s most-visited websites with an array of digital offerings. Schimmels spent nearly four years as business group publisher at D Magazine Partners in Dallas. There he oversaw a portfolio of publications that included D CEO magazine, D CEO Real Estate Annual, Dallas 500, D CEO Healthcare, along with its custom publishing division. During his tenure, D CEO magazine was named the country’s Best Regional Business Magazine three times by the Alliance of Area Business Publishers (AABP). Josh holds an MBA from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. He has an undergraduate degree in broadcasting from Arizona State’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications. He’s passionate about his work in the community. As a Stage IV blood cancer survivor, he works as a patient advocate to help cancer patients and families through volunteering, fundraising, leadership volunteer positions and public speaking on behalf of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). He has served on numerous community boards and committees including AABP, LLS, and the Los Angeles World Affairs Council and Town Hall. Josh has completed the Ironman triathlon twice and spends much of his free time in nature, where he enjoys adventures in the mountains.

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