The New Orleans Business Alliance announced that Quentin L. Messer, Jr., the organization’s president and CEO, was named to the highly prestigious EBONY Power 100 list for 2018.

The New Orleans business and economic development leader joins former President Barack Obama and his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama on the list. Others include figures from business, entertainment, politics and sports.

“I’m most appreciative of Ebony for recognizing that when we successfully engage all citizens in growing the economy, we can achieve enhanced economic security and wealth creation for all.  New Orleans is at the forefront of a growing national vanguard of cities that understands inclusive economic development, thus making the economy work for everyone, increases the bottom-line for everyone,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., president and CEO of the New Orleans Business Alliance. “I’m humbled to be included in this group, however, the real recognition is for our entire team and the New Orleans political and business leadership that is transforming our city for the better.”

In naming Messer to the list in the Power Players category, Ebony recognized the New Orleans Business Alliance as “a national model for inclusive economic development, since 2015.”

Mayor and Board Chair Send Congrats

“NOLABA’s work is the work of the City of New Orleans and our people,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.  “I am proud of Quentin’s recognition, and proud to have his hard work and dedication to creating an inclusive economy that works for all New Orleanians acknowledged.”

Henry L. Coaxum, Jr., chairman of the New Orleans Business Alliance board, said, “When we engaged in a national search to find the right person to lead the New Orleans economic development efforts, Quentin was right here all along, already working in Louisiana. With our partners at the City of New Orleans, the Business Alliance team is taking the right steps to enhance economic security for our colleagues, friends and neighbors.”

Ebony Declares Past Year an Epic Period of Triumph

Ebony’s press release recognized that the past year has been an epic period of accomplishment and triumph for the African-American community. Black Panther became a cultural phenomenon that swept the globe, becoming the biggest- grossing movie directed by a Black filmmaker; social activist Tarana Burke continued to represent the #MeToo movement as a global icon for victims of sexual harassment throughout the world; and several African-American lawmakers across the country made history, among them London Breed, the first Black female LGBT mayor.

“We are delighted to announce this year’s coveted EBONY Power 100 List of exemplary honorees,” says EBONY Media Operations CEO Michael Gibson. “Each year, we select the most outstanding individuals and prolific leaders who represent today’s African-American community and excellence in their respective fields. Over the past year we have witnessed pioneers from Hollywood, professional athletes from numerous sports, politicians and lawmakers throughout the country, business leaders from close-knit neighborhoods and heroic community activists all emerge as trailblazers and firebrands, each of whom who has made a significant impact on a national or international scale. In 2020, we will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of EBONY magazine, and we look forward to this year’s pre-cursor of what will be a momentous occasion. I would like to congratulate all our 2018 Power 100 honorees.”

Influential Nominees: The Power 100 List

The 2018 EBONY Power 100 List recognizes the most influential and inspiring from the African-American community in the following eight categories: “Community Crusaders,” “Disruptors,” “Entertainment & Arts,” “Entrepreneurs,” “Innovators,” “MVPs,” “Power Players” and the coveted “Women Up”. Click here to see the entire EBONY Power 100 List.

Former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama lead the Entertainment & Arts category, with a focus on Mrs. Obama’s book tour for her new memoir, Becoming. Barry Jenkins, director of the Academy Award-winning Moonlight and the upcoming film If Beale Street Could Talk, is also being honored in the Entertainment & Arts category for his achievements in the film industry. Tony Award- winning actor Billy Porter is another Entertainment & Arts honoree for his role in the television series Pose. Other notables being honored in the Entertainment & Arts category include the cast of Black Panther, and rappers Cardi B, Drake and Travis Scott. Athletes being honored in the MVPs category include Houston Rockets guard James Harden, Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry and professional WWE wrestler Thaddeus Bullard aka WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil.

The 2018 EBONY Power 100 List also includes politicians and lawmakers who made the news over the past year. These include:

• Stacey Abrams, the first Black Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee (honored in The Disruptors category);
• Andrew Gillum, Mayor of Tallahassee and the first Black candidate for governor of Florida (honored in Disruptors category);
• Keisha Lance Bottoms, the second Black female mayor of Atlanta (honored in the Women Up category);
• London Breed, the first Black female LGBT mayor of San Francisco (also honored in the Women Up category).

Other honorees run the gamut of industry, community activism and more:

• Rosalind Brewer will be recognized in the Women Up category as the first African-American woman to the hold the position as Group President and Chief Operating Officer at Starbucks;
• Stacey D. Stewart, President, March of Dimes, will be recognized in the Disruptors category as the first African-American female president to lead the charitable organization;
• Junior Flip Kids, recognized in the Entrepreneurs category, is a company made up of six schoolchildren aged 7 to 13 years old, who met with Oprah Winfrey before starting their business to transform distressed properties into renovated single-family homes in Washington D.C, and Maryland;
• Cheryl “Action” Jackson will be recognized in the Community Crusaders category for Minnie’s Pantry, an organization that has provided over 6 million meals to families in need.

About The New Orleans Business Alliance

One of only 61 Accredited Economic Development Organizations worldwide, the New Orleans Business Alliance is the official professional economic development organization for New Orleans. Formed in 2010, the public-private partnership focuses on holistic economic development: attract new business, grow existing businesses, revitalize neighborhoods and facilitate comprehensive workforce development programs beneficial for jobseekers and employers. By pursuing an inclusive economic development strategy, the Business Alliance will create the perfect intersection of culture and commerce while delivering New Orleanians enhanced economic security. Visit nolaba.org for more information.