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Voting is currently closed. Nominations will open for the 2026 awards in November.
About the Annual Go Natchitoches Awards
The Go Natchitoches Awards shine a spotlight on local businesses and individuals who embody the Go Natchitoches mindset by going above and beyond for our community and leading the way in their respective industries. As the Chamber’s largest event of the year, this celebration also serves as our official annual membership meeting. It’s a night of recognition, connection, and new beginnings.
Award Selection Process
The Go Natchitoches Awards follow a thoughtful and transparent selection process designed to celebrate excellence while ensuring fairness:
- Public Nominations: Community members are invited to nominate eligible businesses, organizations, and individuals for each award category.
- Public Voting: Once nominations close, the public is given the opportunity to vote on the nominees and help identify standout candidates.
- Finalists Selected: Based on a combination of nomination strength and public support, a group of finalists is selected in each category. These finalists are then invited to submit a two-page write-up that highlights their qualifications and achievements.
- Community Judging: Finalist write-ups are reviewed and scored by a panel of anonymous community members who are not affiliated with the finalists.
- Winners Announced: The highest-scoring finalists are named category winners and celebrated during the Go Natchitoches Awards Banquet.
Note: Category winners are not eligible to be selected as finalists in the same category for the three years immediately following their win. This helps ensure a broad and diverse recognition of excellence across the community. Non-Member businesses can be nominated, but cannot proceed to voting.
Business Awards
This award honors a business that has been established within the past two years* and is already making a significant impact in the Natchitoches community. The recipient demonstrates innovation, strong potential for long-term success, and a commitment to customer service, community involvement, and excellence in their field. Whether through fresh ideas, bold leadership, or creative problem-solving, this business is paving the way for the next generation of local entrepreneurship.
*The two years before the award's ceremony is taking place.
The following winners from the past three years are ineligible to advance to voting in 2027:
- 2024 - Natchitoches Picnic Company
- 2025 - Rolling Hills Ministries Thrift Store
This award recognizes a business that stands out for its creative, consistent, and engaging digital presence. From websites to social media platforms, the recipient uses online tools effectively to connect with customers, promote their brand, and enhance their visibility in the community. This business demonstrates an understanding of how to use digital platforms not just for promotion, but for building relationships and driving meaningful engagement.
The following winners from the past three years are ineligible to advance to voting in 2027:
- 2023 - Natchitoches Regional Medical Center
- 2024 - Brick & Row Merci Beaucoup
- 2025 - NSU Marketing
This award honors a nonprofit organization that goes above and beyond in service to the Natchitoches community. The recipient demonstrates exceptional dedication to their mission, effective use of resources, and a measurable impact on the individuals or causes they serve. Through leadership, collaboration, and compassion, this organization exemplifies what it means to drive positive change and uplift others.
The following winners from the past three years are ineligible to advance to voting in 2027:
- 2023 - Cane River National Heritage Area
- 2024 - Natchitoches Parish Fair Board
- 2025 - The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center
This award celebrates a local business in the food and beverage industry that delivers outstanding quality, service, and hospitality. Whether through innovative cuisine, a welcoming atmosphere, or a commitment to locally sourced ingredients, the recipient sets the standard for culinary excellence in Natchitoches. This business not only satisfies appetites but also contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of our community.
The following winners from the past three years are ineligible to advance to voting in 2027:
- 2023 - SweetD's Kitchen
- 2024 - Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant
- 2025 - Sweetie's Bar-B-Q
This award recognizes a retail business that provides an exceptional shopping experience, from quality products to customer service and store atmosphere. The recipient stands out through creativity, consistency, and a strong connection to the community. Whether through brick-and-mortar, online, or both, this business demonstrates excellence in meeting customer needs and enhancing the local shopping landscape.
The following winners from the past three years are ineligible to advance to voting in 2027:
- 2023 - Walmart
- 2024 - Magnolia Spa & Wellness Boutique
- 2025 - Cane River Kitchenware
This award honors a business or organization that brings people together through exceptional entertainment experiences. Whether through live performances, events, nightlife, or creative attractions, the recipient contributes to the vibrancy and cultural life of Natchitoches. With a focus on quality, originality, and community engagement, this business plays a key role in making our city a fun and memorable place to live, work, and visit.
The following winners from the past three years are ineligible to advance to voting in 2027:
- 2024 - Dark Woods Adventure Park
- 2025 - NSU Creative & Performing Arts
This award recognizes a business in the industrial sector—such as manufacturing, oil and energy, construction, or other large-scale production—that demonstrates outstanding performance, innovation, and impact. The recipient excels in operational excellence, workplace safety, and contributions to the local economy. This business stands as a leader in its field, combining productivity with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community development.
The following winners from the past three years are ineligible to advance to voting in 2027:
- 2023 - Weyerhaeuser
- 2025 - Lott Oil Company
This award honors a business in the financial sector—such as banking, accounting, insurance, or investment—that demonstrates integrity, expertise, and a strong commitment to customer service. The recipient goes beyond numbers, building trust and providing valuable guidance that supports the financial well-being of individuals, families, and businesses in Natchitoches. Through professionalism and community involvement, this business helps strengthen our local economy.
The following winners from the past three years are ineligible to advance to voting in 2027:
- 2023 - Exchange Bank
- 2024 - Engage Federal Credit Union
- 2025 - First Federal Bank of Louisiana
This award honors businesses that provide expert knowledge and advisory services. Typical examples include legal firms, real estate agencies, consulting firms, marketing and advertising agencies, IT service providers, and other licensed or certified professionals. These businesses exemplify professionalism, ethical standards, and exceptional client service while contributing meaningfully to the Natchitoches community.
*If a business fits better in another category, please nominate it there to ensure accurate placement and avoid confusion.
The following winners from the past three years are ineligible to advance to voting in 2027:
- 2023 - BOM Bank
- 2024 - Good Hope Veterinary Clinic
- 2025 - Archie's Paint & Body Shop
This award recognizes a government agency, public utility, or nonprofit organization that provides essential services to the Natchitoches community. The recipient demonstrates dedication, efficiency, and a strong commitment to improving the quality of life for residents. Through outstanding leadership, innovation, and community engagement, this honoree exemplifies the spirit of public service and civic responsibility.
The following winners from the past three years are ineligible to advance to voting in 2027:
- 2023 - Women's Resource Center
- 2024 - Natchitoches Parish Schools
- 2025 - The Natchitoches Parish Library
This award honors a healthcare provider or medical facility that delivers exceptional care, compassion, and innovation to the Natchitoches community. Whether through patient services, community health initiatives, or advancements in medical practice, the recipient demonstrates a strong commitment to improving health outcomes and enhancing the well-being of individuals and families. This business or organization exemplifies professionalism, expertise, and dedication to health.
The following winners from the past three years are ineligible to advance to voting in 2027:
- 2023 - Trinity Integrated Health & Wellness
- 2024 - Lang Orthodontics
- 2025 - Natchitoches Regional Medical Center
This award recognizes businesses and organizations dedicated to promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being in the Natchitoches community. Eligible nominees include fitness centers, gyms, yoga studios, mental health counselors, therapists, wellness coaches, and similar services. The recipient demonstrates a strong commitment to helping individuals lead healthier, more balanced lives through compassionate care, education, and community engagement.
The following winners from the past three years are ineligible to advance to voting in 2027:
- 2023 - NSU Wellness Recreation & Activity Center (WRAC)
- 2024 - Women's Resource Center
- 2025 - Trinity Integrated Health & Wellness
This award honors a lodging establishment—such as hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, or inns—that provides exceptional hospitality, comfort, and service to visitors of Natchitoches. The recipient creates memorable guest experiences through attention to detail, cleanliness, and community connection, helping to make our city a preferred destination for travelers.
The following winners from the past three years are ineligible to advance to voting in 2027:
- 2023 - Judge Porter House
- 2024 - Violet Hill Bed & Breakfast
- 2025 - Andrew Morris House
Individual Awards
This prestigious award honors an individual who has dedicated many years to making a lasting, positive impact on the Natchitoches community. Through leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment, the recipient has significantly contributed to the growth, culture, and well-being of our region. This recognition celebrates a legacy of service, excellence, and inspiration that will resonate for generations to come.
This special award honors an individual, group, or business that exemplifies the “Go Natchitoches” mindset, demonstrating leadership, community spirit, and a commitment to making Natchitoches a better place to live, work, and grow. The recipient goes above and beyond to inspire positive change, foster connection, and champion the values that drive our community forward.
This award recognizes four outstanding young professionals under the age of 40 who are making significant contributions to the Natchitoches community through leadership, innovation, and community involvement. These individuals exemplify ambition, dedication, and a passion for cultivating growth in their professions and the region. The NYP 4 Under 40 honors emerging leaders who are shaping the future of Natchitoches.
2025 Honorees
