Rhode Island Black Business Association Announces its 2014 Business Award Winners

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA), is proud to announce the recipients of its 2014 Business Awards Program. Each year, the Rhode Island Black Business Association Business Awards Program is designed to honor achievements of exceptional leaders who have achieved great success, and leaders who strive towards professional accomplishment, excels in their field and exemplary leadership, business growth, and service to the community.  The awards recipients will be publicly honored at RIBBA’s Annual Business Awards Gala which is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2014, 6:00pm at the Omni Providence Hotel, One Exchange Street, Providence RI.

The 2014 Business Award Recipients are: (no specific order)

Business of the Year – The Allen Brothers Business Award

• Legacy Cleaning Services – Taiwo (Wally) Akinkuowo, Owner

Business Person of the Year – George T. Downing Business Leadership Award

• Charles Newton, Assistant Administrator at RI Dept. of Administration

Entrepreneur Person of the Year  – Isaac Rice Entrepreneurship Award

• Yemi Sekoni – Director of Donahue Models & Talent, LLC

Community Person of the Year – Christiana Bannister Community Service

• Maxine B. Shavers, Former RI State Rep and Community Leader

Company of the Year  – Corporate Award

• Amica Insurance – Robert DiMuccio, President and CEO

As part of this momentous event, Mr. Kirk A. Sykes, President of the Urban Strategy American Fund and former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston will be the keynote speaker.  Mr. Sykes is a passionate and seasoned leader with 25 years of combined finance, development, architecture, and community-based experience.  Mr. Sykes was the lead partner in the development and operation of the first African American-built hotel in Boston, MA. Mr. Sykes leads the partnership equity placement, identifies investment and developments, and manages the day-to-day business operations of the Urban Strategy American Fund.

“I congratulate the award recipients,” Lisa Ranglin, President of the Rhode Island Black Business Association, said in a statement. “We received dozens of nominations this year. These individuals and companies, we considered the best in their league and are worthy of this recognition.”

The Association is currently welcoming sponsors and dinner guests. For more information, visit www.ri-bba.com.