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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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August 24, 2026

International recognition honors OEV’s innovative approach to making local economic development accessible, engaging, and community-centered The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) has earned a Silver Award in the Digital Media category of the International Economic Development Council’s 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards for Economic Vitality Unplugged, OEV’s podcast highlighting the people, projects […]

August 3, 2026

Tallahassee-Leon County continues to stand out as a community where great employers thrive. The 2026 Florida Trend ‘Best Companies to Work for in Florida’ rankings recognized 18 organizations with a Tallahassee presence, representing industries ranging from technology and financial services to engineering, legal, insurance, and professional services. Of those recognized, 13 are headquartered in Tallahassee, […]