INDEvents

Regions Ins., Regions Bank Again Sponsor ABiz Entrepreneur of the Year Symposium

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Brother Marine of Regions Insurance and Shawn Hubbard of Regions Bank
Photo by Robin May

INNOV8 Acadiana’s Innovators of the Year also to be announced at the Nov. 12 luncheon event._

The ABiz Entrepreneur of the Year Symposium debuted last December featuring a panel of three of Acadiana’s most respected names in business, and the audience was totally immersed in the exchange. In a conversation led by moderator Zachary Barker, executive director of The Opportunity Machine, symposium topics ranged from inspirations for life to frustrations in business, providing rare insight into the hearts and minds of local business leaders at the top of their game.

Regions Insurance and Regions Bank helped launch the symposium and return this year as presenting co-sponsors, with Andrus Boudreaux Complete Title as sustaining sponsor.

“We look forward to working with ABiz to grow this event,” says Brother Marine, CEO of Regions Insurance’s South Region. “The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Acadiana, and by sharing their stories, local entrepreneurs can provide motivation for us all. It’s a great way to end the year, inspired as we all plan for a challenging 2016.”

Shawn Hubbard, Lafayette city president for Regions Bank, agrees. “The symposium offers a unique forum. It’s almost like sitting face-to-face with those who have built successful companies from the ground up with the opportunity to learn from them as they generously and openly talk about their successes and challenges,” Hubbard says. “Regions partners with many of Acadiana’s great entrepreneurs. We’re pleased to sponsor an event that honors that spirit in a community that is known for its ‘can do’ attitude.”

In addition to the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Jillian Johnson Award for Entrepreneurship in the Creative Economy was created this year to honor the life and legacy of the beloved business owner, artist, musician and creative force in our community who was one of two women killed in the tragic Grand Theatre shooting this summer. The symposium is also a featured event for this year’s INNOV8 Technology and Entrepreneurial Summit, slated for Nov. 12-14 at the Cajundome, LITE and the Picard Center. INNOV8 Acadiana’s Innovators of the Year will be announced at the ABiz symposium. Find details for that three-day event at innov8acadiana.org/summit-2015/.

ABiz’s Entrepreneur of the Year Symposium is slated for Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Cajundome Convention Center at noon. Tickets are $40 per person or $350 for a reserved table for eight. For more information, including ticket orders, contact Robin Hebert at (337) 769.8603 or by email at [email protected].