NCB's glitzy affair
It's not just about gaining wealth, it's also about sharing with others. And that's part of what the National Commercial Bank (NCB) Nation Builder Awards are all about. The third staging of the event was a glitzy affair at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Wednesday.
The awards were established to recognise and celebrate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are also giving back to communities. Apart from the nation builder award, there are also the Innovation, Start-Up and Women In Business awards. The first looks at new ideas using technology to gain a competitive edge; the second recognises a business that has been in operation between one and three years with commendable performance and strong community impact; and the third salutes an innovative female business leader who is a positive influence on other women.
Guest speaker Chris Blackwell (who knows a thing or two about taking a business from grass roots to the top), is not a long speaker. But in a novel idea, NCB had all the nominees ask him questions, and that served as his presentation. To one question about why he ventured into the rum business, Blackwell cracked, "Because I needed a drink!" Jokes aside, he had good advice including to work in something they love, listen to people from all walks of life and to always think long term.
Guests out included: Custos of Kingston Steadman Fuller and wife Sonia; Dr Henley Morgan, Winston Harrison, Carl McDowell, Colin Maxwell, Kent LaCroix, Howard Foster, Adam Hyde, Chantal Hylton-Tonnes, Gary Matalon and Kimala Bennett.