NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority (Authority) and the Urban League of Louisiana announced the 6th Annual Morial Award winners at a ceremony inside the Convention Center’s Great Hall on May 21. The Morial Awards recognize a small business and a corporation that have demonstrated innovative growth and economic impact, as well as exceptional contributions to creating opportunities for local communities and small businesses across Louisiana.
The Morial Awards were established in 2019 to celebrate the legacy of Ernest N. “Dutch” Morial, New Orleans’ first Black mayor and a lifelong civil rights champion. Mayor Morial believed the Convention Center could serve as more than an economic driver for the city; he saw it as a catalyst for opportunity, growth and inclusion for local and diverse businesses. Today, the Morial Awards carry that vision forward by recognizing organizations that are making a meaningful impact in communities across Louisiana.
The 6th Annual Morial Awards also featured the announcement of the Sybil Award, a new recognition that will debut as part of next year’s Morial Awards program. The award will honor the life, legacy and lasting impact of Sybil Haydel Morial, a revered educator, author, activist and civic leader who dedicated her life to advancing education, civil rights and opportunities for women and families throughout New Orleans and beyond. As the wife of Ernest N. Morial and a trailblazing leader in her own right, Mrs. Morial played a significant role in shaping generations of civic and community leadership across Louisiana.
“As we celebrate the sixth year of the Morial Awards, we continue to honor Mayor Ernest N. Morial’s vision for a more inclusive and economically empowered Louisiana,” said Jim Cook, president and CEO of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. “These awards recognize businesses and leaders that are creating opportunity, strengthening communities and driving meaningful impact across our state. We are proud to celebrate organizations that reflect the spirit of innovation, leadership and service that Mayor Morial championed throughout his life. This year’s announcement of the Sybil Award also allows us to recognize the extraordinary legacy of Mrs. Morial and the lasting impact she made through her leadership, advocacy and commitment to education and civil rights. Together, their influence continues to inspire the next generation of leaders across Louisiana.”
Selected by a panel of judges, the 2026 Morial Award for Corporation of the Year went to Port NOLA. Finalists in the Corporation of the Year category included DePaul Community Health Centers and Open Waters Maritime Career Development Program. Leroy’s LipSmack’n Lemonade was named the 2026 Morial Award Small Business of the Year. Finalists in the Small Business of the Year category included Henley Construction Group and Spears Group.
Small Business of the Year: Leroy’s LipSmack’n Lemonade
Leroy’s LipSmack’n Lemonade is a Louisiana-based beverage company founded in 2012 with a mission to make a difference one lemon at a time. What began as a small front-yard lemonade stand during National Lemonade Day has grown into a community-driven brand sold across Louisiana and featured at LSU sporting events, local retailers and community gatherings. Inspired by founder Leroy Hayward III’s journey with autism and hearing loss, the company is committed to empowering children with special needs, supporting local children’s hospitals and giving back to the community through every bottle sold.
“Receiving the Morial Award is truly meaningful for our team,” said Sherilyn Hayward, Owner of Leroy’s LipSmack’n Lemonade. “Small businesses play an important role in shaping Louisiana’s economy and communities, and we are proud to be part of that story. This recognition is a reflection of the hard work, passion and commitment that drive everything we do each day.”
Corporation of the Year: Port NOLA
Port of New Orleans, also known as Port NOLA, is a modern multimodal gateway for global commerce and one of Louisiana’s leading economic drivers. Established in 1896, the Port has played a critical role in connecting Louisiana businesses to global markets through its integrated river, rail, road and cruise operations along the Mississippi River. Guided by its mission to drive regional economic prosperity by maximizing the flow of international trade and commerce, Port NOLA continues to invest in infrastructure, innovation and sustainable growth while supporting jobs, trade and economic opportunity throughout Louisiana and beyond.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized as this year’s Morial Award recipient,” said Beth Branch, Port NOLA President & CEO and New Orleans Public Belt Railroad CEO. “At the heart of our mission is a commitment to strengthening Louisiana through meaningful partnerships, economic opportunity and long-term investment in the communities we serve. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our employees, partners and stakeholders who help drive lasting impact across our state.”
The sixth Annual Morial Awards featured a keynote address by Marc Morial, with live music from The Brice Miller Band. Award-winning journalist and author, Michelle Miller served as master of ceremonies. This year’s event was supported by Gold sponsors Gallagher, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and AECOM Broadmoor; Silver sponsors Xavier University of Louisiana and DePaul Community Health Centers; Educator sponsors The Port of New Orleans, Source One Facilities and Kiewit; and Patron sponsors All South Consulting Engineers, Audubon Nature Institute and BearCom.
To explore opportunities within the Authority’s Small & Emerging Business Program and to learn more, visit exhallnola.com/seb/.