Baton Rouge, LA (October 23, 2023) – The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) announced its 2023 Free Enterprise Award winners. These annual awards recognize LABI members who demonstrate exemplary commitment and contributions to the state’s business climate and their local communities. The winners will be honored on Thursday, November 9, at the 2023 Free Enterprise Awards: Business and Boots, presented by b1BANK. The 2023 LABI Legislative Scorecard MVPs, All-Stars and Honorable Mentions will also be recognized for their support of a competitive business climate during this year’s Legislative session and throughout the term.
“This year’s Free Enterprise Award winners have helped shape Louisiana’s economic landscape,” said incoming LABI President and CEO Will Green. “We are thrilled to celebrate the difference they are making on Main Street and throughout the state. Whether serving their communities through job growth and creation, or through their hard work in the Legislature, we are proud to recognize our LABI members and legislators for their impact on the Louisiana business community on November 9.”
The 2023 Free Enterprise Awards: Business and Boots will be held at the LABI Center for Free Enterprise at 500 Main Street in downtown Baton Rouge and will begin at 6:30 p.m. The celebration will continue with food, drinks and live entertainment by local favorite, country band Parish County Line. For tickets or more information, click HERE.
The 2023 LABI Free Enterprise Awards recipients are as follows:
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.
Cecil J. Blache, Roedel Parsons Blache Fontana Piontek & Pisano
Company of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievement among Louisiana companies.
Large Company of the Year: Placid Refining Company
Small Company of the Year: Orion Laboratories
Businessperson of the Year and Young Businessperson of the Year are individuals who demonstrate exemplary commitment and contributions to the state’s business climate and their local communities.
Businessperson of the Year: Bryan Hanks, Beta Land Services
Young Businessperson of the Year: Dillan Rider, RSG Wholesale
Manufacturer of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievement among Louisiana manufacturers.
Large Manufacturer of the Year: Mid South Extrusion
Small Manufacturer of the Year: Noble Plastics
The Workforce Innovator Award honors individuals or organizations that have provided substantial contributions to workforce development in Louisiana. The award recognizes those who have excelled in creating, implementing, or supporting a high-caliber education or workforce development initiative aligned with closing the employment gap.
Workforce Innovator: ISC Constructors, LLC
Economic Development Partner of the Year Award recognizes exceptional leadership by an economic development or business organization.
Economic Development Partner of the Year: Chamber Southwest Louisiana
Also on November 9, LABI will honor those legislators recognized in the LABI Annual Scorecard as “Most Valuable Policymakers” (MVPs), All-Stars and Honorable Mentions for their support of pro-business legislation during the Louisiana Legislature’s 2023 session and throughout the term. Click HERE to view those honorees. The full 2023 LABI Legislative Scorecard can be found HERE.