Business growth depends on more than a company’s ability to deliver. It also depends on the leaders who open doors, the partners who create opportunities and the suppliers who earn trust through their performance.
The Georgia Business Council celebrated those contributions at the 2026 Spirit of Alliance Awards, held as part of Small Business Opportunity Week. The awards recognized individuals and companies whose leadership, advocacy and business achievements help strengthen Georgia’s business community.
This year’s honorees reflect the range of people and organizations behind that work, from an established corporate and community leader to suppliers building businesses and creating opportunities for others.
Curley M. Dossman Jr. of Georgia-Pacific received the Blue Legend Award, recognizing legacy, leadership and lasting impact. Dossman’s career spans corporate leadership, government affairs and community service. As president of Community Programs at Georgia-Pacific, he oversees the company’s community-based programs and philanthropic giving nationwide. His service also includes leadership as past international board chair of 100 Black Men of America and involvement with numerous civic, educational and community organizations.
The Blue Legend recognition celebrates the influence of leaders whose contributions extend across organizations and generations. Dossman’s record of corporate and community engagement reflects that connection between business leadership and public service.
Theresa Schroeder of Turner Construction received the Trailblazer Award. The honor recognizes leaders who challenge conventional thinking, introduce new approaches and create paths others can follow. It celebrates the innovation and initiative that move business opportunity forward.
Holder Construction received the George Lottier Rising Star Award. This recognition honors a corporate member whose supplier program has been active for fewer than three years and has already made a significant contribution to supplier growth. The award highlights the value of building relationships and expanding supplier capacity early in a program’s development.
Mishaun Sawyer of JE Dunn was named Advocate of the Year. The award recognizes efforts to advance business inclusion and development through education, collaboration and engagement. It honors those who help small and diverse businesses gain access to the resources, relationships and opportunities needed to compete.
Patrick Cheng of United Seafood International, doing business as General Tso’s Catering, received the Eagle Award. The Eagle Award recognizes a certified small business constituent’s commitment to doing business with other certified small businesses. It underscores the role entrepreneurs play in supporting one another and creating opportunities that contribute to business growth and job creation.
The Supplier of the Year Awards recognized four companies for excellence in products and services, business performance, innovation and leadership. Presented across four annual sales classifications, the 2026 winners were:
- Class I: Firesign Inc. Promotional Products & Print
- Class II: SL King & Associates, Inc.
- Class III: 5 Points Electrical Company
- Class IV: Ole Mexican Foods, Inc.
Together, these companies demonstrate the breadth of talent and capability within Georgia’s supplier community. Their recognition reinforces the importance of quality, customer service and operational performance in building successful business relationships.
The Spirit of Alliance Awards also carry a message for the broader business community: access and performance work together. Corporate partners can expand the pool of capable suppliers. Advocates can help businesses prepare and connect. Entrepreneurs can deliver exceptional work while creating opportunities for other businesses.
As the Georgia Business Council continues its work connecting businesses with decision-makers and supporting their growth, this year’s honorees offer examples of the leadership and partnership that make those connections count.
Congratulations to the 2026 Spirit of Alliance Award winners.
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