So Many Reasons

category for small businesses (10 employees or less). Dr. Saidi SowmaFakhre, owner of Derma MediQ, invested $1 million in her new state of the art building. Derma MediQ has donated its services to Jesus the Good Shepard School, Lifeshare Blood Bank, Poor Man’s Supper, and Autism Society.

The winner of the medium business category (11-50 employees) was Citizens Progressive Bank. In 2021/2022, Citizens Progressive Bank opened a new branch in Ouachita Parish located at 4370 Sterlington Road. They also opened a new Loan Production Office located AT 1804 North 18th Street.

Recognized as the large business winner (51 to 100 employees) was Flying Heart Brewing and Pub was established in Bossier City. The business grew and they decided to expand in Ouachita Parish. Flying Heart Brewing and Pub located in West Monroe in July of 2021 employing over sixty people. They believe giving back to the community is paramount.

The corporate business of the year award (Over 100 employees) was presented to Centric Federal Credit Union. In 2021, Centric’s membership grew by 18%. Centric Federal Credit Union hosted over fifty financial education workshops, free of charge for over 1,500 attendees.

The Thomas H. Scott Award was presented Marsala Beverage, LP. In 1992 Charles Marsala entered a limited partnership with Anheuser-Busch, Inc. to purchase Budco Distributing. Charles, Brenda, Mandy and Damon Marsala purchased Marsala Beverage in 2000. Marsala Beverage purchased a 10-acre site in January of 2020. With a $10M investment, Marsala completely renovated an 84,000 sq ft of space which doubled their facility size. Marsala Beverage serves on multiple boards and supports numerous charities throughout NELA.