Report and interview by Ibrahim Dabo
More than 600 executives from around the country gathered at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 20, 2011 to celebrate the success of businesses that are thriving despite the challenges faced by an economic downturn.
The ninth annual American Business Awards (ABAs) honored businesses with the Stevie Award. These business range from non-profits, emerging start-ups, major public companies and government agencies, to corner-office executives, corporate communicators, support staff and customer service teams.
“There are over 25 million businesses in the U.S.A. Many of them are doing well, others are not. It’s important to remember and to recognize that businesses are just collections of people, and people in all fields – not just movie stars and other celebrities – like to be recognized for their achievements,” Michael Gallagher, president of The Stevie Awards, told Ib Talk Online in an interview.
“Corporate profits have been relatively healthy, because many companies have adjusted to the realities of reduced demand,” he said.
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Russell Simmons, best known as the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings received the Difference Maker award, the first of its kind given out by the ABA.
Simmons’ honor was in recognition of his trailblazing vision and influence on music, fashion, finance, television and film and modern philanthropy.
During his award acceptance speech Russell talked about the importance of giving back to make the world a better place. He said the spirit of giving people something to lift them up is very important.
Distinguished Stevie Award winners at the gala included:
Executive of the Year: Jeffrey Bezos, Chairman of the Board, President & CEO, Amazon.com, Inc.
Best Overall Company of the Year: Apple Inc.
Business Turnaround of the Year: Whole Foods Market, Inc.
Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year: Cisco
Customer Service Team of the Year: Dell
Support Team of the Year: DHL Express
Information Technology Team of the Year: CIGNA Government Services
Most Innovative Company of the Year: General Electric
Fastest Growing Company of the Year: Groupon
Communications or PR Campaign of the Year: Hewlett-Packard
New Product or Service of the Year: Research In Motion’s BlackBerry PlayBook
Part of proceeds from the gala event will go to Camfed, an organization that fights poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa by educating girls and empowering women to become leaders of change. Camfed has a goal of improving the lives of two million children by 2013.
About The Stevie® Awards
The Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards.
