PHOTOS: Greater Shreveport Chamber welcomes Keni Thomas at J. Pat Beaird Luncheon

The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Regions Bank and the J. Pat Beaird Memorial Fund, presented the annual J. Pat Beaird Industry & Small Business Awards Luncheon, an event dedicated to recognizing exceptional businesses in the Greater Shreveport area. This year’s J. Pat Beaird Industry of the Year Award Luncheon was held on August 29, 2024, at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino.

This prestigious event brings nationally recognized speakers to our community and honors outstanding Industry & Small Businesses that exemplify the “Best Practices” of entrepreneurship, including sound business planning, fiscal responsibility, and innovation.

J. Pat Beaird Industry of the Year 2024 Award

The centerpiece of the event is the J. Pat Beaird Industry of the Year Award, which acknowledges a corporate entity from the Greater Shreveport area for its outstanding business achievements. This award honors the legacy of J. Pat Beaird, Sr., a dedicated community leader whose lifetime of service significantly contributed to making Shreveport and the State of Louisiana a better place to live and work.

Businesses eligible for the J. Pat Beaird Industry of the Year Award must demonstrate excellence in real dollar expansion, community involvement, and job creation, representing industries with significant employment. The award serves as a benchmark for businesses that embody the principles that J. Pat Beaird championed throughout his life.

J. Pat Beaird Industry of the Year Award 2024 Recipient: U.L. Coleman

Founded by CEO Linc Coleman in 1973, U. L. Coleman Companies is a leading full-service real estate group specializing in commercial and multifamily residential projects. Their integrated approach balances environmental, social, and economic needs, creating jobs for over 150 team members. They provide services from land development and construction to property management, offering attractive, affordable spaces and sound investments.

Headquartered in Shreveport, Louisiana, U. L. Coleman Properties, LLC was the first commercial real estate company in North Louisiana to earn the Accredited Management Organization® (AMO®) designation. Their management portfolio spans over 2.7 million square feet, including office buildings, shopping centers, industrial properties, and multifamily communities.

2024 Keynote Speaker: Keni Thomas

The Greater Shreveport Chamber was honored to welcome Keni Thomas as the keynote speaker for this year’s event. A decorated combat veteran, former U.S. Army Ranger, and acclaimed country music artist, Keni Thomas brought a powerful and inspiring message drawn from his extraordinary experiences.

Best known for his role in the 1993 Mogadishu mission, which was immortalized in the book and film “Black Hawk Down,” Thomas shared his insights on leadership, teamwork, and perseverance under pressure.

Thomas’s keynote, titled “My Mission, My People, Myself,” resonated with audiences as he recounted the intense 18-hour firefight that defined his mission in Somalia and the lessons learned in the crucible of combat. His message underscored the importance of leadership at all levels, emphasizing that rank, position, or title does not define a leader but rather the example they set for those around them.

Keni Thomas is not only a veteran but also a successful country music artist, a best-selling author, an Emmy-winning producer, and a recognized military analyst. His dedication to supporting veterans and their families through his work with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation further exemplifies his commitment to service.

Thomas performed one of his greatest hits to conclude the event.

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