REDI Innovation Hub Client Show Me Leaders, led by founder and CEO Valerie Zumwalt, was named outstanding Emerging Women Owned Business 2018 at the MWBE Expo and Showcase on August 11. REDI Investor Moresource, led by CEO Kat Cunningham, was named Outstanding Women Owned Business 2018. The honorees were chosen for awards based on criteria that included a demonstrated commitment and dedication to community service throughout Columbia and surrounding area. This year a special focus was also placed on youth entrepreneurship.
The following accolades were awarded at the Expo:
Outstanding Women Owned Business 2018: Moresource; Kat Cunningham, CEO. Moresource was started in 1994 by Kat Cunningham and has grown to operate in 25 States. They have been masters in diversifying their business offering over the years and now offer comprehensive professional services in payroll, HR, benefit administration, bookkeeping, and IT Management and insurance offerings. Kat is a very well-known leader in our community and active in building a strong community.
Outstanding Minority Owned Business 2018: Big Daddy's BBQ; Fontella & Lloyd Henry Owners. Fontella and Lloyd started their food business in 2013 operating in 2 food trucks and in 2015 they opened their walk-up location on N. Garth Ave. The Henry’s are a well know community oriented team since their arrival in 1981 and have owned and operated a number of businesses. Their BBQ business is a favorite stop for Columbian’s and features basic southern style old school menu that people enjoy. Fontella and Lloyd continue to be active in the community and are always providing advice on starting and operating a business as well as serving good BBQ.
Outstanding Emerging Women Owned Business 2018: Show Me Leaders; Valerie Zumwalt, CEO. Show Me Leaders was founded in 2014 and true to its name is a leader in leadership development for companies through business events, workshops, training and coaching. Over the past 4 years they have provided development opportunities for 3,199 leaders representing 212 companies and organizations. Show Me Leaders mission is to create leadership growth opportunities that profoundly impact the lives of people they serve.
Outstanding Emerging Minority Owned Business: 2 Real Fitness: Cory Crosby, CEO. Cory started his fitness business in 2016 with a real dedication to helping people improve their health but also to make an impact in his community on improving lives through working on the body and mind. His unique approach of helping adults and youth focus on physical and mental health helps individuals become the best version of themselves. He is a tireless activist in our community who has learned a lifetime of lessons from his experiences and is dedicated to making a positive impact in our community.
2018 Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Erin Wilson, CEO, Grey Matter. Grey Matter is a startup that has a focus on advocacy and consulting in Mental Health Awareness for youth and parents. Erin is an 11th grader attending Hickman High School. Her booth exhibited various artistic paintings that focused on easing and soothing mental awareness. Erin was also one of our key speakers in our program.
