BATON ROUGE, La. – Today the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), unveiled the honorees for its 2024 Louisiana Business Excellence Awards. Formally known as the Free Enterprise Awards, these nine honors highlight dedicated businesses and business owners throughout Louisiana making a difference in their communities. The winners will be acknowledged and celebrated at the Louisiana Business Excellence Awards luncheon, presented by b1BANK, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at noon at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge. For ticket information, click here.
“The ongoing work to improve the state’s business climate is a collective effort, and the job creators who are being honored through the Louisiana Business Excellence Awards play a pivotal role in doing that through investing in the state and providing opportunities for working families,” said Will Green, LABI President and CEO. “These men and women, and the organizations they lead drive innovation, growth, and employment, while setting a high standard of excellence in our state.”
The Louisiana Business Excellence Awards feature nine honors, highlighting both individuals and companies. The 2024 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.
- William H. “Bill” Fenstermaker, Fenstermaker
Free Enterprise Champions are individuals who demonstrate exemplary commitment and contributions to the state’s business climate and their local communities.
- Businessperson of the Year
- Matt McKay, All Star Automotive Group
- Young Businessperson of the Year
- Kenny Nguyen, ThreeSixtyEight
Company of the Year Awards recognize outstanding achievement among Louisiana companies.
- Large Company of the Year
- Danos
- Company of the Year
- Tides Medical
Manufacturer of the Year Awards recognize outstanding achievement among Louisiana manufacturers.
- Large Manufacturer of the Year
- ExxonMobil
- Manufacturer of the Year
- Valentine Chemicals
The Workforce Innovator of the Year Award honors individuals or organizations that have made 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.
- Cyber Innovation Center
The Economic Development Partner of the Year Award recognizes exceptional leadership by an economic development or business organization.
- Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools
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About the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry: The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry was organized in 1975 to represent Louisiana businesses, serving as both the state chamber of commerce and state manufacturers association. LABI’s primary goal is to foster a climate for economic growth by championing the principles of the free enterprise system and representing the general interest of the business community through active involvement in the political, legislative, judicial and regulatory processes. Find out more information at www.labi.org.