Champions of business awardees

The Champions of Business is what might be described as a new and enhanced version of the highly respected Business Hall of Fame.

The Business Hall of Fame was initiated in 2005, at a time when the Chamber saw a need to acknowledge the tremendous contribution of Business to the development of Trinidad and Tobago and 23 pillars of the local business community were inducted over the next 10 years.

As we headed to its tenth Anniversary, the Chamber considered the scope of this signature event. We realised that the Chamber currently had no forum to give recognition to our medium-sized members who have successfully broken into the international market or the generally new, passionate entrepreneurs making a difference in the industry in which they operate. This was the genesis of the Champions of Business, which, in addition to retaining the “Business Hall of Fame” as a category, has added two additional categories, namely, “Emerging Entrepreneur” and “Internationally Known…TT Owned”.

The Chamber is extremely pleased to announce that once more, two stalwarts of business will be inducted this year into the Business Hall of Fame, namely, Michael Mansoor and Raymond Dieffenthaller (posthumously). Both will be recognised not just for their business acumen, but their civic responsibility and exemplary conduct.

In addition, the first winner in the Internationally Known…TT Owned category, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most recognised brands, Sacha Cosmetics, headed by Kama Maharaj, will be presented with the award.

Four individuals were nominated for the Emerging Entrepreneur award, namely, Dean Ackin of Ultimate Group, Mazuree Colin Ali of TriniTrolley Ltd., Jeunanne Alkins of Everything Slight Pepper and Kwesi Hopkinson of Scorch Ltd. Attendees can look forward to the winner being announced at the gala.

On the night of October 17, the stories of all these individuals, and the firms they lead, will be told in words and film, as we share their struggles and triumphs on the way to becoming success stories in business. For each one, their achievements are testaments to their innovative thinking and perseverance. Whatever their backgrounds, one thing they have in common is a singular commitment to reaching their goals. We are certain their lives will serve as an inspiration not just to those in business, but anyone who aspires to scale the heights of professional and personal achievement.

Continuing its partnership with the Chamber for the eighth consecutive year will be our exclusive Platinum Investor, First Citizens. Others include Diamond investors Atlantic and NGC, Sapphire Investor Columbus and Gem Investors, Southern Sales, Angostura 1824 and T&T Freezones.

The Chamber is proud to once more be the Voice of Business as we work for the ongoing development of a strong, sustainable national economy. And what better way to do this than to recognize and encourage the contributions of the past, present and future?