West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber Honors Local Leaders at 2025 Small Business Awards Luncheon

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the achievements of local business leaders and organizations at its annual 2025 Small Business Awards Luncheon, held today at the West Monroe Convention Center. The event, presented by Origin Bank, recognized excellence in entrepreneurship, leadership, and community impact among the Chamber’s members.

The luncheon welcomed community leaders, elected officials, and Chamber members to honor this year’s outstanding nominees and winners. With over 55 nominations across six award categories, the program highlighted the diverse and impactful contributions of small businesses and nonprofits in the region.

"Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community," said Kristopher Kelley, Executive Director of the WMWO Chamber. "Today, we celebrated not only their business success but also their unwavering commitment to making Northeast Louisiana a better place for all."

2025 Small Business Awards Winners:

• Emerging Entrepreneurs of the Year:
  Madison & Kaylea Coates, Corner Coffee + Provisions
  Recognized for revitalizing a beloved local café into a dynamic community hub, the Coates sisters have fostered creativity, connection, and local engagement, earning accolades such as the Chamber’s 318 Day Community Champion.
• Female Champion of the Year:
  Debbie Sawyer, Sawyer Plastics
  A trailblazer in manufacturing and community leadership, Sawyer was honored for her decades-long influence in business, advocacy, and nonprofit support throughout Northeast Louisiana.
• Small Business of the Year:
  Will Source Staffing and Recruiting
  With a mission-driven approach to workforce development and community empowerment, this certified woman-owned business has connected talent and opportunity, supporting both individuals and local businesses.
• Community Champion of the Year:
  EPC
  EPC’s deep investment in volunteerism, youth development, and support for local nonprofits earned them recognition as a leading force for good in the community, living out their core values of service and integrity.
• Non-Profit of the Year:
  The Center for Children & Families
  For over 25 years, this organization has provided trauma-focused care and advocacy for vulnerable children and families, expanding critical mental health services and changing countless lives.
• Silver Plus Award (Legacy Impact):
  ARCO
  Celebrated for over 70 years of service to individuals with developmental disabilities, ARCO continues to lead with compassion, empowering independence and inclusion throughout the region.