On Thursday, June 29, Hilton Shreveport celebrated the new upgrades and improvements to the flagship downtown hotel. Improvements include a complete exterior refresh, meeting space and guest room upgrades, a total rooftop pool remodel, plus River & Rye is their new inhouse restaurant and bar. The remodel also featured a custom mural by local artist KaDavien Baylor. Upgraded rooms and meeting spaces are available for bookings now. – Mark Crawford

Hilton Reveals Upgrades

1) Cate Jean, Marianne Nelson, Lauren Knicely

2) Daniel Hamilton, Bonne Summers

3) Marci Hicks, Karen La Beau

4) Sarah Overall, Katie Theriot

5) Stacy Brown, Tabatha Taylor, Candy Welch

6) Tracy Young, Ann Long, Jennifer Maxwell-LeBleu

The Minority Business Opportunity Awards began with a cocktail party and dinner on June 22 at Sam’s Town. The Top Business Professional of the Year is Dr. Kenya Claiborne Roberts; Non-Profit Professional of the Year: Katrina Early; Small Business Owner of the Year: Sylvester Marshall; Emerging Business Leader of the Year: Eagle Industries, LLC (Kimera Walker). Willis-Knighton Health System was the Business of the Year, and Dr. Woodrow WIlson was the Lifetime Achievement Recipient. – Mary Ann Van Osdell

Minority Business Awards

1) Ashley Joyner, Brittany Carlton and Amanda Washington

2) Carla Buntyn, Josephine Brown, Katrina Early

3) Jill Lucero and Mavice Thigpen

4) Toni Tyner and Vivian Tyner

5) Carolyn Tillman and Mallory Gratson

6) DeCarros and LaToya Phelps-Amos

To be included in OTS, e-mail your high-res photos to editor@318forum.com or mail to Editor at 318 Forum,1158 Texas Ave., Shreveport, LA 71101. Must include a daytime phone number. Or, contact Mary Ann Van Osdell at mavo@softdisk.com or Mark Crawford at markcrawford1@aol. com for coverage.