.png)
The Mobile Chamber’s 26th Annual Eagle Awards and Diversity Business Forum and Expo will celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding local minority-owned businesses.
Who: Mobile Chamber
What: 26th Annual Eagle Awards and Diversity Business Forum and Expo
Where: The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa
26 N. Royal Street, Mobile, AL 36602
When: Friday, October 27, 2023
8 a.m. - Registration
Companies committed to supplier diversity & inclusion in purchasing, hiring & lending will have displays for participants.
8:30 a.m. – Diversity Equity & Inclusion Business Forum
The DE&I Business Forum on the 5 Ways to See Your Business Thrive
11:30 a.m. - Eagle Awards Luncheon & Ceremony
The Eagle Awards Luncheon will recognize the 2023 Eagle Award Winners and includes a keynote from Mobile’s own Lonnie G. Johnson, former Air Force and NASA engineer who invented the #1 selling water toy of all time, the Super Soaker. Today, two of Johnson’s companies, Excellatron Solid State and Johnson Battery Technologies, Inc. are developing revolutionary energy technology.
Eagle Award Honorees include:
Eagle Award Hall of Fame Winner – Harper Technologies, LLC
Harper Technologies, LLC, a technology powerhouse founded in 2004, began as a residential IT business but has since evolved into one of the area’s leading experts on technology solutions with nine dedicated team members. Harper Technologies caters to businesses with 10 to 200 employees, providing top-tier IT solutions without needing in-house staff. Harper Technologies actively invests in the community, partnering with local chambers and organizations to foster workforce development. This local business is a driving force behind innovation and community growth. Read more.
Eagle Award Hall of Fame Winner – Paula’s Hair Unlimited LLC
Paula Jones is the heart and soul behind Paula’s Hair Unlimited, LLC and is passionate about pampering each client. This salon is a retreat for self-care. From perms to hair color, cuts, and weaves, they create not just hairstyles but pride and self-esteem. She also makes wigs and hair units for clients and children who suffer from alopecia and forms of cancer. Her impact extends far beyond the salon. Paula's dedication to giving back is remarkable, providing free haircuts to those in need, mentoring young ladies, and supporting job seekers with clothing donations. Read more.
Eagle Award Winner – Chris & Carla’s Enterprises, Inc. Chris and Carla’s Enterprises, Inc. has been a shining star in our community for more than two decades. Known for their heavenly ribs, they've also mastered the art of southern fried chicken, lasagna, and low country boils. They’ve also purchased a food truck to travel and share their mouthwatering creations throughout the Gulf Coast. In times of crisis, they step up with disaster relief catering. You can also find them participating in food giveaways, volunteering at schools, and teaching cooking and nutrition classes to underserved children. Read more.
Rev. Wesley A. James Minority Business Advocate – Mobile Airport Authority
The Reverend Wesley A. James Minority Business Advocate celebrates an organization’s dedication to supplier diversity and inclusion.
The new Mobile International Airport terminal in the Brookley Aeroplex is on track to open by the end of 2025, and the Mobile Airport Authority has a strong commitment to supporting minority-owned businesses throughout the project. The team is actively enhancing procurement procedures, networking opportunities, MBE-friendly contracts, capacity-building programs and advocacy to eliminate barriers to entry. They're also in the process of creating a formal mentor/protégé program to further support the growth of minority-owned businesses. Read more.
Sponsors:
The Mobile Chamber’s 26th Annual Eagle Awards are possible thanks to presenting sponsor, the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System; gold sponsors, Alabama Power Co., Ball HealthCare Services Inc., Commonwealth National Bank and the Mobile Airport Authority; silver sponsors, Carr Riggs & Ingram LLP, Franklin Primary Health Center, Infirmary Health, Keesler Federal Credit Union, PNC Bank, Spire, The First Bank and Tyndall Federal Credit Union; bronze sponsors, AM/NS Calvert, ASM Recycling, AT&T, and Meador Warehousing & Distribution Centers Inc.; and media sponsors, Cumulus Media, Nspire U!, and WALA Fox 10,