NAWBO-LA Online Newsletter
February 2009 Issue
Hall of Fame Inductee
Each year, NAWBO-LA inducts into our Hall of Fame women who represent the quintessential entrepreneur who strives for excellence in everything that she does and has given back extensively to her community
 Bettye Dixon
President & CEO
Concourse Concessions, Inc.
“I would like to see more women business owners join and support organizations like NAWBO-LA, where their voices can be heard, their experiences valued, and their achievements appreciated and duplicated by the young women following in the paths they have made."
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NAWBO-LA proudly inducts Bettye Dixon into its Hall of Fame in 2009 for being a well-respected strategic entrepreneur, a role model and a pioneer of her time.
Dixon’s distinguished career has seen her serve as an industry and community leader who achieves success and supports others by building alliances with the business sector and local communities. Today, as President and CEO of Concourse Concessions, Inc., Dixon runs one of the most experienced and successful companies doing business with some of the largest airports in the nation. Her firm, established in 1992, is one of the few Disadvantaged Business Enterprises that owns and operates duty-free stores in international airports.
Despite facing several challenges, she’s continued to grow Concourse Concessions, with many of her employees staying with her from the beginning.
“I am most proud of being able to guide my company through the economic problems that arose after the tragedy of 9/11 to its current status as an emerging Disadvantaged Business Enterprise with gross sales of over $20 million per year,” Dixon noted.
Guidance and Counsel to the Next Generation
While she’s steered her company to new heights, she’s also given her time and effort to many organizations, including the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (President-Elect and Board Member); Otis College of Art and Design (Vice Chair, Board of Trustees); Airport Minority Advisory Council; and Airports Council International.
In addition to Concourse Concessions being recognized as the 2006 African American Business of the Year by the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce, and as 2006 Minority Retail Firm of the Year by the University of Southern California’s Minority Enterprise Department, Dixon has received special commendations for her achievements from both Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Plus, she garnered the prestigious 2007 “Women in Action” Award from The Los Angeles African American Public Policy Institute, showcasing her commitment to motivating other women to succeed.
“Today’s women business owners and leaders should support each other, be fair with each other, give quality goods and services to each other, and provide guidance and counsel to help the next generation not repeat the mistakes of the past,” Dixon noted.
She added, “My advice to the next generation of women entrepreneurs and leaders is to learn from the past, seek advice and seek a mentor willing to give of her/his time to walk you through the difficult times and difficult issues. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those who have succeeded!”
Dixon got her own entrepreneurial inspiration from her family, as her father and his brothers all had their own companies, and “at an early age I was exposed to the concept of owning and running your own business.”
Her path to business ownership took her through many high-level positions for federal agencies, including Director of Consumer Outreach for the Healthcare Financing Administration under the Department of Health and Human Services, and Director of Consumer Outreach for the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Before founding Concourse Concessions, Dixon served as Chief Operating Officer and managing partner of Mir Kanon/Peideau, Inc., an airport retailer that graduated its status as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise with average annual gross sales exceeding the $30 million standard for more than three consecutive years.
However, when the opportunity presented itself to move on, “I was psychologically prepared to do as my family had done throughout my life and be my own boss.”
Today, as she looks at women who are following in her footsteps to become their own bosses, she highlights the value of organizations like NAWBO-LA to help them achieve their goals.
Knowledge, Experience and Influence
“NAWBO-LA is one entity that tries to ensure that women-owned businesses are recognized as a formidable economic force to be reckoned with and are effective agents for change,” she said, expressing her honor at her Hall of Fame induction. “It is a group of knowledgeable, experienced and influential women who understand the obstacles that women face as entrepreneurs. Through their combined knowledge they are an essential resource for those who are trying to make the playing field more level.”
Dixon concluded, “I would like to see more women business owners join and support organizations like NAWBO-LA, where their voices can be heard, their experiences valued, and their achievements appreciated and duplicated by the young women following in the paths they have made.”
 Concourse Concessions, Inc. ( a privately held, woman- and minority-owned corporation) operates a chain of top-quality retail and duty-free stores in major U.S. airports, including Los Angeles International, Phoenix Sky Harbor International, Washington Dulles International, JFK International and Miami International. It is a full-fledged store operator and creates the highest standard of excellence in airport concessions. For more information: www.concourseconcessions.com.
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