Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) hosted its sixth annual ATLNext Industry Day and its third annual Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Legacy Awards on March 30. Nearly 400 people attended Industry Day—held virtually for the first time—which is designed to educate, inspire and allow the small business community to gather information about ATLNext, the Airport’s multibillion-dollar capital improvement program.

“Our administration is committed to fulfilling the One Atlanta vision of creating an affordable, resilient and equitable city for all who wish to call Atlanta home,” said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. “I’d like to give my heartfelt congratulations to the 2021 Maynard H. Jackson Legacy Award winners. Their ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion on important ATL Next projects brings us all closer to achieving that vision. They’ve overcome uniquely daunting challenges to earn recognition as extraordinary entrepreneurs and business leaders.”

During the sessions, participants had an opportunity to learn about upcoming projects, contracting opportunities, and tips on doing business with ATL. The virtual event provided vital information, resources, and networking platform for diverse contractors.

“I am proud of the business diversity team for all of their hard work with this program and the third annual Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Legacy Awards,” said Airport General Manager John Selden. “It’s a fantastic way to honor our contractors and serve as a reminder of the late Mayor Maynard Jackson’s legacy. His insistence on including women, minority and small businesses in the mix on major City initiatives has gone a long way in leveling the playing field. Their contributions have helped Atlanta become the international city that it is today.”

The Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Legacy Awards honor Maynard H. Jackson Jr.’s commitment to providing small businesses -previously excluded- a gateway to opportunities at ATL. A significant part of Jackson’s legacy was his championing diversity and inclusion. The Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Legacy Awards were created to keep his legacy alive. 

Award recipients were businesses and individuals showing a solid commitment to diversity and inclusion. Winners are listed below.

TRIUMPH AWARD 

This award honors an ATLNext small business owner who has demonstrated a positive commitment to its communities and supports the inclusion of other small businesses on ATL projects. It recognizes exemplary achievements and innovative practices in identifying, utilizing, mentoring and/or growing such firms. 

Awardee:  Synergy Development Partners, LLC 

Ralph “Ted” Phillips, III 

Co-Founder and Principal  

Jeanie Hunter 

Co-founder and CEO 

LEADERSHIP AWARD 

This award honors an individual who is a recognized leader that embraces diversity and inclusion, applies innovative practices, and consistently demonstrates outstanding commitment towards utilization, growth, and development of small (SBE), minority (MBE) and female (FBE) owned firms.

Awardee:   Albert G. Edwards 

Founder & Managing Director 

Corporate Environmental Risk Management, LLC (CERM) 

SOAR AWARD 

This award honors an ATLNext Joint Venture team that consistently demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion by utilizing small, minority, and women-owned firms on ATL projects. The recipient of this award shows exemplary performance by actively participating in ATLNext outreach events and consistently meeting or exceeding the City of Atlanta, Mayor's Office of Contract Compliance SBO/EBO/DBE utilization plans.

Awardee:   HJ+P Joint Venture 

Kaven Swan 

Director of Business Development, Aviation & Transportation 

HOK

Nathaniel O. Clark, AIA 

Managing Partner 

Chasm Architecture, LLC 

William J. Stanley, III, FAIA 

Founding Principal 

Stanley, Love-Stanley, PC