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Announcing the 2026 Small Business Awards nominees

West Monroe - West Ouachita Chamber logo
West Monroe- West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce
West Monroe - West Ouachita Chamber logo

The West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the nominees for the 2026 Small Business Awards, recognizing outstanding businesses, organizations, and leaders who are making a lasting impact across Ouachita Parish.

The awards will be presented at the Small Business Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the West Monroe Convention Center. This ticketed event is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend in support of local excellence. Tickets and event details are available at westmonroechamber.org/smallbusinessawards.

“These nominees represent the strength, resilience, and innovation of our local business community,” said Kristopher Kelley, Executive Director of the Chamber. “From emerging entrepreneurs to legacy businesses, each has played a meaningful role in shaping the economic vitality and quality of life in our region.”

2026 Small Business Award Nominees:

Silver Plus Award
Laffitte’s Cajun Foods
Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana
Scotts Catfish & Seafood LLC
Associated Business Printing
The Center for Children & Families
Gilley Enterprises/McDonald’s

Female Champion Award
Dr. Mercy Elahi, Elahi Eye Care
Dawn Bailey, Coldwell Banker Realty
Patience Talley, Key Marketing Solutions
Jessica Pollard, Eleven 26 Boutique
Sadie Robertson Huff, Live Original LLC
Anna Robertson, Will Source Staffing
Brooklyn McQuillin, On the Geaux Repair

Small Business Award
Laffitte’s Cajun Foods
Seventh Square Coffee
On the Geaux Repair
Donuts Donuts LLC
Josh Fuselier State Farm
West Monroe Driving Academy
West Monroe Tag Title & License
Job Squad Staffing Solutions
Unitech Training Academy
Thirsty Farmer Winery & Vineyard
Indian Village Harvest Farm
North Louisiana Electrical LLC
The Trash Guys

Emerging Entrepreneur Award
Christie & Michael Echols, The Hotel Monroe
Colton Anderson, Shelter Insurance
Teal Hoffman, Soda Jerk
Rebekah Lawrence, Courtyard Galerie
Dr. Cataldo Rogers - The Neighborhood Vet
Seth Dodd - Zoo Crew LLC
Brad & Tish Jowers - Seventh Square Coffee
Garrett Thompson - Guardian Air

Community Champion Award
Advanced Audiology & Hearing Aids, LLC
Mulhearn Funeral Home
Blake Wheelis State Farm
American Mattress Outlet
KEDM Public Radio
Laffitte’s Cajun Foods
North Louisiana Electrical LLC

Non-Profit of the Year Award
KEDM Public Radio
Chennault Aviation Museum
The Salvation Army of Monroe
CASA of Northeast Louisiana
Goodwill Industries
Ouachita Green

Nominees were selected from a highly competitive pool of submissions submitted by peers, customers, and community members, highlighting the depth and diversity of the region’s business and nonprofit sectors.

The Chamber invites the public, business leaders, and community stakeholders to join in celebrating these nominees and the contributions they make every day to strengthen West Monroe and Ouachita Parish.

Limited tickets and sponsorship opportunities remain available.

For more information or to reserve your seat, visit westmonroechamber.org/smallbusinessawards or contact the Chamber at (318) 325-1961.