Diversity in Business Awards
Tuesday, October 19
Reynolds Performance Hall | UCA Campus
6:15-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 19
Reynolds Performance Hall | UCA Campus
6:15-8:00 p.m.
The public is invited to attend this special celebration at no charge, though registration is required.
Reserve your seat by Wednesday, October 13.
2021 Honorees
Outstanding Young Professional: Arturo Moraga, Simmons Bank
Outstanding Minority Business: YGFBFKitchen Restaurant & Catering
Outstanding Business Executive: Raju Vyas, Home2 Suites
Lifetime Achievement: Pastor Cornell Maltbia
This year’s program will include a screening of the PBS documentary film, “Dream Land,” which highlights Little Rock’s West 9th Street business and entertainment district. Music from African-American symphonic composer William Grant Still, who grew up in Little Rock, will also be featured by members of the Conway Symphony Orchestra.
Presented by
Award Sponsor Speaker Sponsor
DIB Advocates
Acxiom Corporation, Arvest Bank,
Candlewood Suites, Comfort Inn & Suites and Country Inn & Suites, First Arkansas Bank & Trust, Kanga Studio, Nabholz Corporation, Partners Bank, Simmons Bank, The Conductor, University of Central Arkansas
The annual Diversity in Business Awards recognize the achievements of minority entrepreneurs and business leaders in the Conway area. Through this event, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce aims to foster growth and sustainability of minority businesses and recognize minority businesses and their supporters.
Diversity in Business serves minority business enterprises that are owned or controlled by the following person(s) or group of persons: African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, Native American and Pacific Islander.
Nominees and/or their business/employer must be a member of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. Eligible nominees include, but are not limited to: business owners, business executives, nonprofit organizations, for profit firms and institutions, universities and colleges, and representatives of local, state and federal governments who are members of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Celebrates high standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment over a sustained period of time. The award is granted to an individual who has played an integral role in the creative, technical or professional progress of minority business development over the course of his/her life.
2020: Tim & Gena Ester
2019: Charlotte Green, UCA/Conway Public Schools
2018: Ken Patel, Conway Management
2017: Mary Acklin, Acklin Rental Property
MINORITY BUSINESS EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
Presented to the owner, executive or leader of a business. This award recognizes executives in the community who have displayed outstanding performance in either an individual or collaborative endeavor. This person is a driving force behind the company and works to maintain an enriched business climate and an enhanced quality of life in Conway.
2020: Mita Sitaram, Kumon of Conway
2019: Marcus Elliott, Conway Regional Health System
2018: Dr. Angela Webster, UCA – under Advocate for Opportunity category
2017: Osmar Garcia, Northwestern Mutual – under Advocate for Opportunity category
OUTSTANDING YOUNG MINORITY PROFESSIONAL
Presented to an individual between the ages of 21 - 39 who has committed themselves to business and community service. This award will be presented to a minority business owner or professional.
2020: Trip Leach, S7 Tactical
2019: Dr. George Parks, Jr. , New Hope Baptist Church
2018: Jimmy Warren, Pulaski County Youth Services
2017: Crystal Floyd, Acxiom Corporation & Xochit Hawks, Arkansas Property Brokers
OUTSTANDING MINORITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Presented to the business whose practices have had a significant impact on the community. This award will be presented to a minority business.
2020: Northwestern Mutual
2019: AllState Insurance, Chris Hervey Agency
2018: TreeHouse Cleaning LLC
2017: Tucker Creek Vet
Nominees and/or their business/employer must be a member of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. Eligible nominees include, but are not limited to: business owners, business executives, nonprofit organizations, for profit firms and institutions, universities and colleges, and representatives of local, state and federal governments who are members of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Celebrates high standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment over a sustained period of time. The award is granted to an individual who has played an integral role in the creative, technical or professional progress of minority business development over the course of his/her life.
2020: Tim & Gena Ester
2019: Charlotte Green, UCA/Conway Public Schools
2018: Ken Patel, Conway Management
2017: Mary Acklin, Acklin Rental Property
MINORITY BUSINESS EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
Presented to the owner, executive or leader of a business. This award recognizes executives in the community who have displayed outstanding performance in either an individual or collaborative endeavor. This person is a driving force behind the company and works to maintain an enriched business climate and an enhanced quality of life in Conway.
2020: Mita Sitaram, Kumon of Conway
2019: Marcus Elliott, Conway Regional Health System
2018: Dr. Angela Webster, UCA – under Advocate for Opportunity category
2017: Osmar Garcia, Northwestern Mutual – under Advocate for Opportunity category
OUTSTANDING YOUNG MINORITY PROFESSIONAL
Presented to an individual between the ages of 21 - 39 who has committed themselves to business and community service. This award will be presented to a minority business owner or professional.
2020: Trip Leach, S7 Tactical
2019: Dr. George Parks, Jr. , New Hope Baptist Church
2018: Jimmy Warren, Pulaski County Youth Services
2017: Crystal Floyd, Acxiom Corporation & Xochit Hawks, Arkansas Property Brokers
OUTSTANDING MINORITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Presented to the business whose practices have had a significant impact on the community. This award will be presented to a minority business.
2020: Northwestern Mutual
2019: AllState Insurance, Chris Hervey Agency
2018: TreeHouse Cleaning LLC
2017: Tucker Creek Vet