The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Urban League of Louisiana announce the launch of the Ernest N. Morial Small Business of the Year Award and the Ernest N. Morial Corporation of the Year Award to honor the legacy of one of New Orleans’ most emblematic mayors, Ernest N. “Dutch” Morial.

These awards were established in celebration of Mayor Ernest N. Morial’s achievements and his legacy as a civil rights activist, and political pioneer. As the first Black mayor of New Orleans in 1977, a position he held for two terms through 1986, he championed the Convention Center’s construction and saw it as a way to promote economic development, especially for local and diverse small businesses.

Woodward Design+Build is proud to be recognized as Corporation of the Year for the inaugural award year.

(From left to right) Mr. Paul Flower, Woodward Design+Build, CEO. Mrs. Sybil Morial, Wife of Former Mayor, Dutch Morial.
Mr. Mike Sawaya, President and General Manager of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.