2009 Spirit of Excellence Award Winners are pictured with Estelle Mannion, Founder (center). The 7th Annual Spirit of Excellence Black Business Awards celebrated the achievements of exceptional individuals and business leaders Saturday at the Marriott Riverfront. The event was charged with excitement.

It was an exceptional crowd of attendees from all segments of the community including politicians, clergy officials, and business professionals.

It was noted that all nominees were winners but the award recipients and presenters in various categories were: Andre' Allen winner of the Rising Star Award; Adams Funeral Home for Emerging Business; Davita Dunston, Corporate Leader of the Year; Artie “The Artist” Milton, Artist the Year Award; Jake Hair Care Center, Business of the Year; Dr. Jamal Toure', Entrepreneur of the Year , sponsored by The University of Phoenix; Rev. Freddie L. Hebron and Cynthia Kennedy, Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Cumulus Broadcasting; Rev. Clarence Williams, Jr., Male Extraordinaire Award pastor of First Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church; and Ms. Sondra Barnes, Unstoppable Woman Award.

Estelle Mannion, keynote speaker, founder and producer, received a standing ovation for her dynamic speech on marketing in a downturned economy and for showcasing the accomplishments of African-Americans.

“Black businesses that advertise are the black businesses that survive”, Mannion told the crowd. She also quoted Sam Walton who said “If you don’t invite people to your home, they won’t Mannion wishes to thank everyone who participated in any way to make the The Spirit of Excellence 7th Black Business Awards a huge success