Regional EDO honors business and community leaders while reflecting on 2018 successes
Baton Rouge, La. (March 29, 2019) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) on Wednesday announced recipients of its annual awards and released its 2018 Annual Report at its Shareholders’ Meeting presented by Kean Miller LLP.
“What strikes me reflecting on the past year are the individuals who gave their time, reputation and emotional energy to the cause of making Baton Rouge better,” said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of BRAC. “These individuals and organizations have displayed exemplary leadership, and it is important to recognize and thank them.”
Award recipients include:
- D. Jensen Holliday Award – David E. Roberts, CEO of EXCEL
The D. Jensen Holliday Award is presented to a member of the BRAC board of directors for his or her extraordinary leadership and exemplary service to BRAC. Individuals honored with the award demonstrate selfless service to the economic growth of the Baton Rouge Area.
- Community Champion Award – Donna M. Saurage, sole manager of CCC Holding LLC, and Alsie Dunbar, process quality manager of Noranda Alumina
BRAC presents a Community Champion Award annually to an individual or individuals for outstanding contributions to his or her company and above-and-beyond leadership in the community. Recipients also demonstrate leadership, visionary thinking and extraordinary volunteerism.
- Project of the Year Award – VEGA Americas Inc.
In December of 2018, VEGA Americas Inc. announced it would invest $22.4 million in Ascension Parish to build an advanced manufacturing center in Geismar. The project brings 120 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $52,000, plus benefits.
BRAC’s Project of the Year Award is presented to an economic development project win that positions the Capital Region at the next level through job creation, capital expenditures, expansion of an industry sector, and long-term impact on the regional economy and brand.
- Business Excellence Award – AccuTemp Services
BRAC’s Business Excellence Award is presented to a business that elevates the Capital Region and makes it a better place to do business, work and live.
- BRAC Ambassador of the Year Award – Danielle Gueho, sales manager of The Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU
BRAC presents the Ambassador of the Year Award to a BRAC Ambassador for his or her outstanding achievements within the Ambassador Program and for his or her exemplary service to and overwhelming support for BRAC’s work. - 2018 Board Chairman Award – Ric Kearny
BRAC’s Annual Report can be accessed online at brac.org. BRAC’s Shareholders’ Meeting was sponsored by Kean Miller LLP, Sullivan’s, Adams and Reese, Home Bank, and the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport.
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,500 small businesses, mid-sized firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at brac.org.
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