The Georgia Business Council celebrated the power of partnership and community leadership at its 2026 Spirit of Alliance Awards, held during Small Business Opportunity Week. The ceremony highlighted individuals and companies whose advocacy, innovation and supplier excellence are strengthening Georgia’s business landscape.
Blue Legend Award – Legacy Leadership
Curley M. Dossman Jr., president of Community Programs at Georgia‑Pacific, received the Blue Legend Award. Dossman’s career spans corporate leadership, government affairs and extensive community service, including past chairmanship of the international board of 100 Black Men of America. In his current role he oversees Georgia‑Pacific’s nationwide community‑based programs and philanthropic giving, exemplifying how corporate leaders can serve both shareholders and the public.
Trailblazer Award – Innovative Construction
Theresa Schroeder of Turner Construction was honored with the Trailblazer Award. The award recognizes leaders who challenge conventional thinking, introduce new approaches and create pathways for others. Schroeder’s work emphasizes forward‑thinking construction practices that expand business opportunity across the state.
Rising Star Award – Supplier Growth
Holder Construction earned the George Lottier Rising Star Award, which honors a corporate member whose supplier program is less than three years old yet has already made a significant contribution to supplier growth. The recognition underscores the value of building strong supplier relationships early in a program’s development.
Advocate of the Year – Business Inclusion
Mishaun Sawyer of JE Dunn was named Advocate of the Year for his efforts to advance business inclusion and development through education, collaboration and engagement. Sawyer’s work helps small and diverse businesses gain the resources, relationships and opportunities needed to compete in today’s market.
Eagle Award – Certified Small‑Business Collaboration
Patrick Cheng of United Seafood International, doing business as General Tso’s Catering, received the Eagle Award. The award celebrates a certified small‑business constituent’s commitment to doing business with other certified small businesses, highlighting the role entrepreneurs play in supporting one another and creating jobs.
Supplier of the Year – Excellence Across Categories
The ceremony also recognized four companies as Supplier of the Year across four annual sales classifications. These winners were praised for product and service excellence, strong business performance, innovation and leadership, reinforcing the importance of quality, customer service and operational performance in successful supplier relationships.
Message for Georgia’s Business Community
According to the Georgia Business Council, the awards send a clear message: access and performance work together. Corporate partners can expand the pool of capable suppliers, advocates can help businesses prepare and connect, and entrepreneurs can deliver exceptional work while creating opportunities for others.
As the Council continues its mission of linking businesses with decision‑makers and supporting growth, the 2026 honorees provide concrete examples of the leadership and partnership that make those connections count. Their achievements illustrate how faith‑based values, family‑centered stewardship and individual liberty can coexist with robust economic development.
Congratulations to all the 2026 Spirit of Alliance Award winners.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
