The Business Development Connection (BDC) of the Greater Shreveport Chamber is gearing up to host the Annual Minority Business Opportunity Awards Dinner, a prestigious event recognizing outstanding minority individuals and businesses making significant contributions to the community. Presented by Willis-Knighton Health System, the event is scheduled for June 2024, with cocktails and registration starting at 5:45 pm, followed by the program at 6:30 pm.
The awards aim to celebrate excellence in various categories, honoring individuals and businesses that have demonstrated exemplary professionalism, community service, and commitment to fostering diversity. Here are the award categories:
- Top Business Professional of the Year: Recognizing a minority individual who consistently exemplifies the highest standard of professional excellence, serving as a respected leader and contributing to the community.
- Emerging Business of the Year: Acknowledging a new minority-owned business that shows promise for future growth and has made a notable impact in the business community.
- Small Business Owner of the Year: Honoring a minority individual who owns, operates, and is primarily responsible for the success of a thriving small business (less than 50 employees).
- Non-Profit Professional of the Year: Celebrating a professional working in a not-for-profit organization, irrespective of minority status, who demonstrates outstanding leadership and service, with a strong philanthropic commitment to minorities in the community.
The selection committee will choose awardees for the following categories:
- Business of the Year: Recognizing an established business (more than 50 employees) that actively creates opportunities for minority-owned businesses and individuals, with a strong commitment to community philanthropy.
- Lifetime Achievement Recipient: Honoring an individual with a long and distinguished career, consistently displaying the highest standards of professional excellence, extensive community service, and a widespread reputation.
To be eligible, nominees must consistently exhibit excellence in professional standards, community service, and maintain good standing with the Greater Shreveport Chamber. The definition of minority for these awards includes racial minorities, as well as women, Hispanics, Asian Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, and others.
Previous year honorees are ineligible, and individuals cannot be honored twice within a 5-year period. Additionally, candidates may not currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Greater Shreveport Chamber, Business Development Connection, be employed by area Chambers of Commerce, or serve as public elected officials. Each individual is eligible for one award recognition from the Greater Shreveport Chamber per year.
Nomination submissions can be made through the official nomination link.
The Annual Minority Business Opportunity Awards Dinner promises to be an evening of recognition, celebration, and inspiration, highlighting the vital contributions of minorities to the business landscape and the broader community in Shreveport.
