In celebration of our 50th year, the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council took a special approach to the Spirit of Alliance Awards. Rather than following the traditional nomination and competitive format, this year’s commemorative edition was designed as a one-time tribute to the voices and visionaries who have shaped our journey over the past five decades.

This Golden Anniversary edition pays homage not only to excellence, but also to the enduring values of leadership, partnership, and innovation that have carried us through 50 years of advancing opportunities for small businesses across Georgia.

Blue Legend Award

• Rodney K. Strong, CEO & Co-Founder, Griffin & Strong

Legacy Award

• AFLAC

• B&S Electric

• IPCOMM

Rising Star Award

• Atlanta Public Schools

• Department of Administrative Services

Impact Award

• Clorox

• FS360

• Grady Health System

• Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

• Norfolk Southern

• Southern Company

Trailblazer Award

• HJ Russell

• Softpath System

• The Gathering Spot

• VDart

Advocate of the Year

• Doretha Smith, Norfolk Southern

• Raj Verma, GoProcure

Eagle Award

• ATL Search Group

• WEBMyers Construction

Supplier of the Year

• Class I: Quantifi VMS

• Class II: GSAT Restoration

• Class III: IBEX IT Business Experts

• Class IV: Innova Solutions

President’s Award

• Nedra Dickson, Interim President & CEO, WBENC

• Venessa Harrison, Senior Advisor to AT&T and former President of AT&T Southeast Coastal States

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of these honorees. Your leadership, impact, and legacy illuminate the path forward as we continue shaping the future of Georgia’s business community.

Relive the celebration: View the Spirit of Alliance Awards Photos