L - R, Robert E. James , Shirley James, State Representative Al Williams, Olivia Williams, I. L. Fleming, Cheryl Fleming, Claudia Clarke and Albert Clarke. State Representative Al Williams, Carver State Bank President Robert E. James and Carver Vice President Claudia Clarke were among the guests at the I. L. Fleming Holiday Gala held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta on Saturday, December 5th.

In addition to celebrating the holidays, Fleming presented several leadership awards to members of his staff for outstanding service during 2009. Fleming also honored the Carver State Bank President and Vice President for their support.

Entertainment and dance music was provided by the exciting Michel Jons Band of Atlanta.

During a year when construction companies are suffering because of international economic conditions, I. L. Fleming, Inc., a successful African-American-owned construction contractor headquartered in Midway, Georgia, is defying the trend.

Some of the contracts that the company has won are listed below.

On June 16, 2009, I. L. Fleming, Inc. was awarded a $17,200,000 contract to design and build a dining and reception facility for the U. S. Army in Fort Benning, Georgia. The estimated completion date for this project is December 23, 2010.

I. L. Fleming, Inc. continued its trend by successfully competing for a $16,260,000 contract to design and construct the Brigade Headquarters facility at Fort Stewart, Georgia. This contract was awarded on Aug. 27, 2009. The work has an estimated completion date of February 28, 2011.

In addition, on November 30, 2009, the company was awarded a $10,960,000 contract to build a Brigade/Batallion Headquarters at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

During the Gala, Fleming attributed the success of his business to the dedication of his staff, and encouraged his employees to remain focused during the months and years ahead. “We must keep our eyes on the prize,” he said.

State Representative Al Williams of House District 165 surprised Fleming by presenting him with an executive leadership award. Williams said that he was proud to have Mr. and Mrs. Fleming as his friends and constituents. He commended them for their entrepreneurial leadership, and said he was honored to have I. L. Fleming, Inc. headquartered in Midway. Representative Williams is a member of the State Economic Development and Tourism Committee and former chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus and its Industry and Economic Development Committee.

Fleming and his business are long-time customers of Carver State Bank.

Claudia Clarke, Vice President and Manager of the Carver Skidaway Road Branch said that it was a wonderful evening, and that she was pleased that she and President James were able to meet many members of the staff of I. L. Fleming, Inc. “They have certainly done an outstanding job managing this business,” she said.