The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry has opened nominations for the 2026 Louisiana Business Excellence Awards. The awards recognize business leaders, companies, entrepreneurs, manufacturers and economic development partners who help move Louisiana forward.
Rowdy Gaudet with LABI joined Talk 107.3 to explain why the awards matter. He said LABI wants to spotlight people and businesses that improve the state’s workforce, communities and business climate.
Nominations Are Open Now
Nominations are open at LABI.org. The awards include about 10 categories, with honors for business leaders, companies, manufacturers, executives and workforce innovators. LABI will recognize winners during a luncheon in November at the Renaissance in Baton Rouge.
Gaudet said many deserving businesses do important work without seeking attention. He encouraged listeners to nominate companies or leaders who make a difference in their communities.
Award Categories Highlight Louisiana Leaders
The Ed Steimel Achievement Award serves as LABI’s lifetime achievement honor. It recognizes a longtime LABI member who has given major time and effort to improve Louisiana’s business climate and quality of life.
Other categories include Business Person of the Year, Young Business Person of the Year, Company of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year and Economic Development Partner of the Year.
LABI also added a new Executive of the Year award for 2026. Gaudet said the award will honor a CEO or executive who shows vision, grows a company and helps improve Louisiana’s business climate.
Workforce Innovation Takes Center Stage
Gaudet also highlighted the Workforce Innovator of the Year category. He said Louisiana needs new ideas to close the workforce gap as the state sees economic growth.
Nominees do not have to be LABI members for most categories. People also do not have to be LABI members to submit a nomination. LABI encourages the public to nominate leaders, companies and organizations now at LABI.org.