BATON ROUGE, LA (September 21, 2016) — On September 21, 2016, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) announced the opening of the nomination process for the inaugural Free Enterprise Awards. The Free Enterprise Award nominations will serve as an opportunity to honor LABI members who demonstrate exemplary commitment and contributions to the state’s business climate and who play an integral role in their local communities’ growth and sustainability. LABI is now accepting nominations online HERE, through noon on October 21, 2016, and will recognize honorees on November 17, 2016.
Stephen Waguespack, President and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry stated, “Louisiana businesses of all sizes and from every sector step up time and time again to make a difference in their community. The recent response by the business community to the floods in south and north Louisiana are only the latest examples of this giving spirit.”
Waguespack went on to say, “Each year, we see countless examples of our members’ service and dedication to this great state. The inaugural LABI Free Enterprise Awards will, for the first time, showcase examples of the impact and vital role that individual businesses – both small and large – play in making Louisiana great.”
Waguespack added, “We look forward to reviewing the nominations and announcing the inaugural Free Enterprise Award recipients at the reception on November 17th.”
The reception will also showcase the 2016 LABI Legislative Scorecard All-Stars. LABI’s Legislative Scorecard highlights how lawmakers vote on measures that are vital to Louisiana’s economic competitiveness. It provides Louisiana residents with valuable information from the Legislative Sessions. While used to hold Legislators accountable, it also serves as an annual opportunity to recognize members of the Louisiana Legislature for their support of a competitive business climate.
Waguespack explained, “Every year, LABI puts out a scorecard to highlight those Legislators that showed themselves, in the most recent Legislative sessions, to be true champions of Free Enterprise. 2016 has been an especially challenging year for taxpayers and the business community, making it more critical than ever to personally recognize those public officials on November 17th and thanking them for their service.”
The Legislative Scorecard will be released prior to the event, in the coming weeks.
Please see below for categories for Free Enterprise Award nominations:
The Ed Steimel Achievement Award
Honors long standing membership and service to LABI and recognizes individuals who have committed extraordinary time and effort to improve the quality of life in Louisiana.
Free Enterprise Champions
Honors individuals who demonstrate exemplary commitment and contributions to the state’s business climate and their local communities. There will be a special category for young business people (under 40).
Companies and Manufacturers of the Year
Recognizes outstanding achievement among Louisiana companies and manufacturers.
Workforce Innovator(s) of the Year
Honors individuals or organizations, which have provided substantial innovations or contributions to workforce development in Louisiana. The award recognizes those who have excelled in creating, implementing, or supporting a high-caliber education and/or workforce development initiative aligned with closing the employment gap.
Economic Development Partner(s) of the Year
This category recognizes exceptional leadership by an economic development or business organization.
For more details about the categories and nomination requirements, CLICK HERE.