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Community | Events | FeaturedAugust 08, 2024

Willie Robertson to Keynote Inaugural ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards

The University of ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ - Fort Smith Center for Economic Development (CED) will hold its inaugural Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 6-8 p.m. at The Bakery District in Fort Smith.

The event will honor regional family-owned and small businesses and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center, with a celebrity speaker: 

Robertson, whose Keynote will be a highlight of the event, is the CEO of , founder of Buck Commander, and star of A&E's "Duck Dynasty." He will share the remarkable journey of his family's business, detailing how they grew a modest enterprise into a multi-million dollar empire, offering valuable insights into entrepreneurship, family collaboration, and overcoming challenges.

Robertson, a New York Times best-selling author, has expanded his family's business into a global brand, selling millions of duck calls and outdoor merchandise worldwide. He has appeared on "Masked Singer," hosted a talk show and podcast, and founded a Sportsman Camp for young people near his home at Camp ChYoCa in Calhoun, Louisiana. He and his wife, Korie, reside in West Monroe, Louisiana, near their children and grandchildren.

Nominations for the awards are open until Sept. 12th. Individuals, family-owned businesses, or small businesses can be nominated by submitting an . Nominees are not required to be current members of the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center or associated with the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Small Business Technology and Development Center.

Tickets for the event can be purchased through at: 

Award Categories:

Small Business Awards:

To qualify, the business must have no more than 50 employees.

• Black-Owned Business Award â€“ Honors a small business that has achieved success in their industry while contributing to the prosperity of the African-American community.
• Early Success and Growth Award â€“ Acknowledges a small business that has experienced rapid success and growth, achieving milestones like acquiring customers, generating revenue, or securing funding.
• Hispanic Business Award â€“ Celebrates a small business that has succeeded within the Hispanic community while promoting cultural diversity and inclusion.
• Small Business of the Year Award â€“ Recognizes a small business that has shown remarkable growth and sustainability, showcasing innovation and adaptability in competitive markets.
• Technology and Innovation Business Award â€“ Highlights a small business that has shown innovation in their products, services, or processes, coupled with significant growth.
• Women-Owned Business Award â€“ Recognizes a small business that has flourished under female leadership, demonstrating success and a commitment to empowering women in business.

Family-Owned Business Awards:

To qualify, the business should have at least two family members actively participating in management, with the family having a controlling interest.

• Business Renewal Award â€“ Commends a family business for ensuring sustained growth and prudent stewardship of assets, securing future generations' interests.
• Emerging Luminary Award â€“ Acknowledges a rising leader or emerging talent within a family business who demonstrates exceptional promise and impact.
• Family Business of the Year Award â€“ Recognizes a family-owned business that has made remarkable contributions to its industry or the community.
• Family Unity Award â€“ Recognizes a family-owned business characterized by strong familial bonds, a collaborative spirit, and a shared vision.
• Legacy Champion Award â€“ Honors an individual whose leadership within a family business exemplifies excellence, contributing significantly to the business and the community.
• Succession Planning Award â€“ Commends a family business that has crafted and executed a succession plan, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership.

Business Advisor of the Year Award:

Recognizes a business for advising or providing resources to family-owned or small businesses. Advisor firms span sectors like Accounting, Legal, Insurance, Banking/Trust, Wealth/Financial Advising, Business Brokerage, and Mergers and Acquisitions.

For more information and to submit nominations, visit the .

• Tags:
• CED
• Center for Economic Development
• Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards
• Walcott Family Enterprise Center