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Meet the 2025 Big Bend Minority Enterprise Development Week Awardees

Big Bend Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week is an annual event celebrating the achievements and contributions of diverse local businesses in the Tallahassee-Leon County region. This year’s theme, Legacy in Motion: “Community, Business, Progress,” emphasizes the lasting impact of entrepreneurship on the region’s future. It reflects how strong community connections, thriving businesses, and forward-looking progress build a resilient and prosperous local economy.

Without further ado, meet the incredible winners of the 33rd Annual Big Bend MED Week Awards! These outstanding leaders continue to shape our community, inspire progress, and prove that legacy is truly in motion.

2025 Reggie L. Rolle Economic Development Champion

Dr. Melvin Stith
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View past Reggie L Rolle Economic Development Champions

Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) of the Year

Patricia Bates Trotta
Big Bend Rebar, Inc.
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Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) of the Year

Vaughn Wilson
Mega Ace Media, LLC
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2025 Youth Entrepreneurs 

Edward Chapman 
3rd’s Drum Line, LLC 
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Terriyhan Barber 
Tipped by Terri 
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Emmanuella Olaitan 
Ella’s World, LLC 
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September 30, 2025

The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) is pleased to announce the calendar of events for the 33rd Annual Big Bend Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, scheduled to take place from October 3 to 8, 2025. This week-long celebration features workshops and networking opportunities designed to empower entrepreneurs, foster economic growth, and connect participants […]

September 22, 2025

The Office of Economic Vitality is proud to join Florida State University’s newly formed Magnetic Capital Research Advisory Council, a strategic group of business, industry, finance, and community leaders working to strengthen the region’s position as a global hub for magnetic technologies and innovation. This council will advise FSU’s Office of Research on initiatives that […]