BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry has announced the recipients of its 2026 Louisiana Business Excellence Awards, recognizing business leaders, companies and organizations for their contributions to Louisiana’s economy and business community.
The honorees will be recognized at LABI’s Louisiana Business Excellence Awards Luncheon at noon Nov. 17 at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel. The event is presented by b1BANK.
“Louisiana’s economic future is being shaped by the businesses and leaders who have chosen to invest, innovate and create opportunity here, and this year’s honorees have demonstrated that commitment for years,” LABI President and CEO Will Green said. “As unprecedented investment brings new opportunities to communities across Louisiana, these leaders continue to grow their companies, develop talent and strengthen the communities they call home.”
The awards program includes nine honors this year, including the newly created Executive of the Year award.
Eddie Rispone of ISC Constructors will receive the Ed Steimel Achievement Award, which recognizes long-standing membership and service to LABI and efforts to improve the quality of life in Louisiana.
Ray Lasseigne of TMR Exploration was named Businessperson of the Year, while Lauren Gibbs of Gibbs Construction was named Young Businessperson of the Year. The awards recognize individuals for their contributions to the state’s business climate and their local communities.
DDG was selected as Large Company of the Year in the category for businesses with 100 or more employees. V.Graham was named Company of the Year among businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
Stuller was named Manufacturer of the Year.
Louisiana Parole Project will receive the Workforce Innovator of the Year Award, which recognizes contributions to workforce development and education initiatives aimed at closing employment gaps.
The Ascension Chamber of Commerce was selected as Economic Development Partner of the Year for its leadership in economic development and business.
Phillip May of Entergy Louisiana was named Executive of the Year. The new award recognizes a business leader for organizational achievements, contributions to Louisiana’s business climate and community involvement.