Latest news with #EmergingBusinessoftheYear
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shreveport Chamber honoring minority business owners at 2025 MBOA
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—The Greater Shreveport Chamber's Business Development Connection (BDC) announced the 2025 Minority Business Opportunity Awards (MBOA), honoring minority business owners and professionals in the area. 'Each year, the MBOA recognizes a class of honorees who demonstrate innovation, resilience, and leadership,' a press release stated. 'These businesses and professionals are not only cultivating strong organizational cultures but are also propelling economic development, fostering inclusive leadership, and contributing meaningfully to community advancement. 'Award recipients are selected for their dedication to excellence, their ability to inspire others, and their unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. These honorees are true changemakers—creating opportunities, uplifting others, and leading with vision and purpose.' WPN awards $120K in grants to Louisiana volunteer programs Special recognition awards include the Lifetime Achievement Award and Business of the Year. 'The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Reginald W. Abrams, Sr., a distinguished legal professional whose decades of service have left a profound legacy in education and justice,' the release stated. 'As General Counsel for the Caddo Parish School Board and founder of his own law firm, Mr. Abrams has been a trailblazer in school law and a steadfast advocate for the Shreveport community and beyond.' The 2025 Business of the Year winner is Module X Solutions, a Shreveport-based building manufacturer honored 'for its inclusive hiring practices, dedication to second-chance employment, and community-focused philanthropy,' the release stated. 'Through its commitment to diversity and integrity, Module X Solutions exemplifies purposeful leadership and sustainable business growth.' 2025 Award categories include Emerging Business of the Year, Small Business Owner of the Year, Top Business Professional of the Year, and Non-Profit Professional of the Year. Celebrate all things musicals at the RFC's 2025 Robbys Gala Emerging Business of the Year honorees include: Louisiana Auto Tag & Title, LLC – Joe and Chaunta Mero The Squire Group, LLC – Racheal Squire Small Business Owner of the Year honorees include: Chantelle Douglas, The Queen of Digital Marketing Brent Latin, Young Professionals Entertainment (YPE) Top Business Professional of the Year honorees include: Melissa Airhart Byron Dawson Brandi Falting Damien Ford Aljay Foreman Dr. Shagranda Moch Traveler Non-Profit Professional of the Year honorees include: Jordan Fong C. Chanel Jackson Nina Marie Julie Gilley Milam Beth Smiley Carolyn A. Tillman Winners of each category will be announced during the MBOA Dinner. Sponsorship opportunities and registration are now open at The event will be held on Thursday, June 26, from 5:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Sam's Town Hotel & Casino, 315 Clyde Fant Pkwy. in downtown Shreveport. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Refreshed Business Awards Now Open
Press Release – Waikato Chamber of Commerce The Chamber will host online drop-in sessions for those who would like help with the entry process. Those will be held on May 14, June 5 and June 19. People can register for those under the Business Awards section of the Chamber website. The Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, supported by Fosters, are now open and this year sees a few changes. Entries for the prestigious awards, which celebrate the success of Waikato businesses, opened today. Aspiring businesses and individuals have until June 30 to submit their online entries highlighting the strengths and achievements of their business. Entry is open to all businesses and individuals within the Waikato region and you don't have to be a Chamber member to enter. Chamber marketing and events manager Rebecca Aston said this year some of the questions in select categories have been refined. 'These updates are designed to ensure that the awards process continues to celebrate excellence and innovation while aligning more closely with the specific focus of each category. We believe these changes will provide entrants with an even better opportunity to showcase their achievements.' There is a host of new judges this year, each of whom brings a wealth of expertise, diverse perspectives, and a shared passion for recognising excellence in business across the region. 'Our judges have been carefully selected for their professional achievements and industry knowledge,' Rebecca said. And the International Trade category has a new sponsor in Hamilton-based Pasifika business Oyonnx, which specialises in building business capabilities and leadership. 'We've also renamed and rescoped a category,' Rebecca said. 'Small Business of the Year is now Emerging Business of the Year, which recognises excellence in emerging businesses within their first 2-5 years of operation, with an annual turnover of at least $500,000. 'The trend we've seen is that year on year, we receive more entries than the last so we're optimistic this year will again be bigger than the last.' Last year's gala dinner moved into Globox Arena at Claudelands Events Centre the first time to accommodate a record number of guests. The Chamber will host online drop-in sessions for those who would like help with the entry process. Those will be held on May 14, June 5 and June 19. People can register for those under the Business Awards section of the Chamber website. Chamber CEO Don Good said he is always impressed by the Waikato's high-performance, innovative business spirit that shines through in the awards. 'Waikato businesses tend to be quiet, humble achievers. The awards are an opportunity for businesses to increase their exposure, and receive professional insights and recommendations on their strategy,' said Good. 'In doing so they inspire others to aspire to greater things.' Entrants receive detailed feedback from the judge's assessment, which can then be used to grow, develop and improve their business. The judging team of more than 30 Waikato business leaders, headed by Dr Heather Connolly, reviews each application before selecting who will progress to stage two. Stage two involves a site visit with judges asking questions about the application and the business. Finalists will then be selected, with the winners of each category announced at the gala dinner. Metal fabrication company Longveld won the People and Culture award last year and co-founder Pam Roa was named CEO of the Year. On what winning the awards has meant, Pam said: 'it has generated an even greater sense of team pride and confidence and added to our reputation as an excellent organisation to work for and do business with.' Waitomo took out three awards last year, including the Supreme Award. Group manager customer experience Greta Shirley has advice for other businesses contemplating entering this year. 'Don't hesitate; the whole process is rewarding from start to finish. Everything from the opportunity to stop and reflect, through to the judging process, learning from others, to the networking opportunities, publicity and the actual Awards night – there is gold in there for all Waikato businesses and organisations. There is nothing to lose, and so much to gain.' For more information about entering the awards, to register to attend the drop-in sessions, or to purchase tickets to the gala dinner visit The Waikato Business Awards are supported by Fosters. Additional category sponsors are Company-X, Deloitte, Hamilton Airport, Kiwibank, Montana Food & Events, Sleepyhead, Trust Waikato, the University of Waikato, Wintec, 2degrees, Fairview, Oyonnx, Air New Zealand and Union Square.
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Refreshed Business Awards Now Open
The Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, supported by Fosters, are now open and this year sees a few changes. Entries for the prestigious awards, which celebrate the success of Waikato businesses, opened today. Aspiring businesses and individuals have until June 30 to submit their online entries highlighting the strengths and achievements of their business. Entry is open to all businesses and individuals within the Waikato region and you don't have to be a Chamber member to enter. Chamber marketing and events manager Rebecca Aston said this year some of the questions in select categories have been refined. 'These updates are designed to ensure that the awards process continues to celebrate excellence and innovation while aligning more closely with the specific focus of each category. We believe these changes will provide entrants with an even better opportunity to showcase their achievements.' There is a host of new judges this year, each of whom brings a wealth of expertise, diverse perspectives, and a shared passion for recognising excellence in business across the region. 'Our judges have been carefully selected for their professional achievements and industry knowledge,' Rebecca said. And the International Trade category has a new sponsor in Hamilton-based Pasifika business Oyonnx, which specialises in building business capabilities and leadership. 'We've also renamed and rescoped a category,' Rebecca said. 'Small Business of the Year is now Emerging Business of the Year, which recognises excellence in emerging businesses within their first 2-5 years of operation, with an annual turnover of at least $500,000. 'The trend we've seen is that year on year, we receive more entries than the last so we're optimistic this year will again be bigger than the last.' Last year's gala dinner moved into Globox Arena at Claudelands Events Centre the first time to accommodate a record number of guests. The Chamber will host online drop-in sessions for those who would like help with the entry process. Those will be held on May 14, June 5 and June 19. People can register for those under the Business Awards section of the Chamber website. Chamber CEO Don Good said he is always impressed by the Waikato's high-performance, innovative business spirit that shines through in the awards. 'Waikato businesses tend to be quiet, humble achievers. The awards are an opportunity for businesses to increase their exposure, and receive professional insights and recommendations on their strategy,' said Good. 'In doing so they inspire others to aspire to greater things.' Entrants receive detailed feedback from the judge's assessment, which can then be used to grow, develop and improve their business. The judging team of more than 30 Waikato business leaders, headed by Dr Heather Connolly, reviews each application before selecting who will progress to stage two. Stage two involves a site visit with judges asking questions about the application and the business. Finalists will then be selected, with the winners of each category announced at the gala dinner. Metal fabrication company Longveld won the People and Culture award last year and co-founder Pam Roa was named CEO of the Year. On what winning the awards has meant, Pam said: 'it has generated an even greater sense of team pride and confidence and added to our reputation as an excellent organisation to work for and do business with.' Waitomo took out three awards last year, including the Supreme Award. Group manager customer experience Greta Shirley has advice for other businesses contemplating entering this year. 'Don't hesitate; the whole process is rewarding from start to finish. Everything from the opportunity to stop and reflect, through to the judging process, learning from others, to the networking opportunities, publicity and the actual Awards night – there is gold in there for all Waikato businesses and organisations. There is nothing to lose, and so much to gain.' For more information about entering the awards, to register to attend the drop-in sessions, or to purchase tickets to the gala dinner visit The Waikato Business Awards are supported by Fosters. Additional category sponsors are Company-X, Deloitte, Hamilton Airport, Kiwibank, Montana Food & Events, Sleepyhead, Trust Waikato, the University of Waikato, Wintec, 2degrees, Fairview, Oyonnx, Air New Zealand and Union Square.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Emerging Business award finalists celebrated
Apr. 22—LIMA — EV'DERA, Simply Suite and Wiechart Dental Smile Studio are the finalists for the Lima/Allen Chamber of Commerce Emerging Business of the Year award. Each business has transitioned from a start-up to an up-and-coming business. The winner will be announced at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, during the Lima/Allen Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala at the University of Northwestern Ohio event center, 1450 N. Cable Road, Lima. EV'DERA Michael Thompson started his journey by investing $5,000 in research and development for natural-based soaps from his parents' basement in September 2022. Fifteen months later, Thompson opened his store on the first floor of the Central District Building, 207 S. Central Ave., Lima. Success came early and often. The business outgrew the inital space and relocated to the second floor in the Central District in September 2024. "In three and a half months (we) generated a 100%-fold increase in revenue compared to the total revenue of the first six months in 2024," Thompson said in a note to the chamber. Thompson has played a pivotal role in the community. EV'DERA helped donate money for Angie Sanchez's fight against cancer in 2023 and donated to United Way of Greater Lima in 2023. EV'DERA also donated products for the silent auction to raise funds in 2024 and co-hosted the Central District Galentines event in 2025, aiming to support the Crossroads Crisis Center. Thompson belives his business is on the right track. "Being an Emerging Business finalist suggests we're addressing some of those wants, needs or likes and doing it in a good and possible sustainable way," Thompson said in a text message. Wiechart Dental Studio Wiechart Dental Studio saw a 300 percent increase in patients from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the fourth quarter of 2024, according to data provided to the chamber. Owned by Mary Wiechart Rector, the studio brings a holistic approach to dental care. "We offer a comfort menu full of things to help our patients be more comfortable during their appointments," Rector said in a note to the chamber. Patients can be provided warm blankets, neck pillows, noise canceling headphones, sunglasses and stress balls for comfort. As a working mom, Rector wanted the office to become a place where sacrifices don't have to be made. "Our hours are six-hour shifts with no break. Within a day, instead of missing a portion of your child's day, you are always able to be part of their day," Rector said. Open four days a week, Rector and staff have the opportunity to plan for children's appointments and volunteer in classrooms or on field trips. "This is all completed by our values which include respect for the whole person, a team focus, clarity, responsibility, respect, care beyond concern and education," Rector said. Employees are active in the Spencerville community. "We are consistently showing up and supporting their efforts," Rector said. Wiechart participates in the town's trick-or-treat, Christmas village, trunk or treat and school sports teams. Wiechart Dental Smile Studio is located at 119 S. Broadway Street in Spencerville. Simply Suite Salon & Boutique Kayla Miller-Crea created the idea of Simply Suite Salon & Boutique during her college senior project 20 years ago, according to information provided to the chamber. The half-salon, half-boutique at 2500 Shawnee Road, Suite C, Lima, opened in October 2022. Miller-Crea was the only stylist for the first four months. In 2023, Miller-Crea won Top Hair Stylist in The Lima News Best of the Region contest, and the salon was a top-three finalist for Top Hair Salon. In 2024, Miller-Crea and salon stylist Taylor Ketteman ranked in the top five for Top Hair Stylist and the salon made the top five for Top Hair Salon and Spa categories. "These nominations confirm growth for salon stylists and reflect Kayla's positive and supportive leadership style as the salon owner," a note to the chamber said. Simply Suite participated in Toys for Tots and the Angel Tree for the third straight year in 2024 and is planning a fashion show in summer 2025 to raise awareness for Lynch Syndrome. Miller-Crea became a life coach in 2022 to help clients heal emotionally and overcome life's obstacles. Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351 Featured Local Savings
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Relief Mental Health Honored as Emerging Business of the Year by Northbrook Chamber of Commerce
NORTHBROOK, Ill., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Relief Mental Health, a leading outpatient provider of mental health treatment, is proud to announce its recognition as the Emerging Business of the Year by the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce. Founded by Susan Mueller, CEO, Relief Mental Health first opened its doors in Oak Brook, Ill., in January 2020—just before the onset of the pandemic—followed by a clinic in Northbrook in September that year. Since then, the organization has expanded to 11 clinics across three states, demonstrating its commitment to delivering innovative and accessible mental health care. At the forefront of Relief Mental Health's offerings is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive, FDA-approved therapy for depression, OCD and other diagnoses that utilizes magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. TMS is covered by insurance, produces no systemic side effects, and is effective in treating patients whose symptoms have not improved with routine treatments like medications and therapy. In addition to TMS, Relief Mental Health provides SPRAVATO® (esketamine) nasal spray, an FDA-approved medication for adults with treatment-resistant depression or depression accompanied by suicidal thoughts or behaviors. A form of ketamine, SPRAVATO® works differently than traditional antidepressants by restoring the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, providing rapid relief from depressive symptoms. When used in combination with TMS therapy, patients may experience both immediate and sustained improvements in their mental health. Recognizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to mental health, Relief Mental Health integrates psychiatric medication management and therapy into personalized treatment plans. This holistic strategy ensures that each patient receives tailored care, addressing their unique needs and promoting long-term well-being. Unlike many psychiatric providers with long waitlists, Relief Mental Health prioritizes expedited access to care—getting patients seen within a week, or even days, of their initial call. "Timely intervention is crucial for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health diagnoses," said Mueller. "By eliminating barriers to treatment, we ensure that those in need receive help when they need it most." The treatment team at Relief's Northbrook clinic includes Teresa Poprawski, MD, neuropsychiatrist and chief medical officer; Anna Hereth, PA-C, CAQ-PSYCH, psychiatric physician assistant; Caroline Onischak, APRN, PMHNP-BC, psychiatric nurse practitioner; Susan Anewalt, LPC, CADC, therapist; and Julia Cleary, clinic manager and certified TMS technician. Their collective expertise and delivery of personalized care have been instrumental in the clinic's success and recognition within the community. Relief Mental Health will officially accept the Emerging Business of the Year award in person at the Northbrook Chamber's Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on March 31. Relief's Northbrook clinic is located at 899 Skokie Blvd., Suite 260. For more information about Relief Mental Health and its services, please visit call 855.205.4764 or email info@ About Relief Mental Health Relief Mental Health is a leading outpatient provider of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), psychedelics (SPRAVATO® esketamine and IV ketamine), psychiatry, and therapy, for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and other diagnoses. Founded in January 2020 and dedicated to delivering expedited care, Relief has 11 facilities in three states. In Illinois, clinics are located in Chicago (Lakeview and West Loop), Oak Brook, Orland Park, Northbrook, Rockford, and St. Charles. Relief's other clinics are in Warren and Red Bank, New Jersey, and Middleton and West Allis, Wisconsin. Relief aims to create a new standard for mental health care, offering a continuum of innovative therapeutic interventions and responding to evolving patient needs. For more information, visit CONTACT: Melanie EilersChief Marketing Officermelanie@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Relief Mental Health
