BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) today announced the recipients of its 2026 Louisiana Business Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions to Louisiana’s business community. The honorees will take center stage at LABI’s Louisiana Business Excellence Awards Luncheon, presented by b1BANK, at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel. Tables and individual tickets are available here.

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,” said LABI President and CEO Will Green. “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. Their long-term commitment and leadership are helping turn this moment of investment into lasting economic opportunity, and LABI is proud to recognize the impact they are making across our state.”

The Louisiana Business Excellence Awards feature nine honors—including the new Executive of the Year award—recognizing outstanding individuals and companies across Louisiana.

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.

• Eddie Rispone, ISC Constructors

Free Enterprise Champions Awards honor individuals who demonstrate exemplary commitment and contributions to the state’s business climate and their local communities.

• Businessperson of the Year – Ray Lasseigne, TMR Exploration
• Young Businessperson of the Year – Lauren Gibbs, Gibbs Construction

Company of the Year Awards recognize outstanding achievement among Louisiana companies.

• Large Company of the Year (100+ employees) – DDG
• Company of the Year (fewer than 100 employees) – V. Graham

Manufacturer of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievement among Louisiana manufacturers.

• Stuller

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.

• Louisiana Parole Project

The Economic Development Partner of the Year Award recognizes exceptional leadership by an economic development or business organization.

• Ascension Chamber of Commerce

The Executive of the Year Award recognizes a business leader whose vision, business achievements and commitment to community have strengthened their organization, advanced Louisiana’s business climate and contributed to a stronger, more competitive economy.

• Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana

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