Businesses both big and small met at Rockford's Clock Tower to award fellow business partners for their diversity efforts in the workplace. More than 150 local business professionals and community leaders showed up for the occasion. The annual Minority Enterprise Luncheon is a platform to recognize leaders within our community who model and demonstrate diversity in their company.

Two awards were handed out. One is the Charles Box Award, which is given to a non-minority owned business that strongly promotes a diverse ethnic make-up within the office. Then there is the Isaac Wilson Award, this is given to a minority owned business that demonstrates growth, diversity, and community involvement. Business professionals agree diversity is needed in every work environment and Rockford is a great place to start.

CEO Executive Officer of the Chicago Housing Authority, Lewis Jordan says, "Rockford's a great place. Rockford challenges are no more different than challenges around the country, and again that partnership and that will to calibrate helps to make a great city even better."

XL Academics won the Isaac Wilson Award, founded by Excell Lewis III, serves high school and college students, as well as adults pursing a new career or reentering the work force by connecting them to the resources and support they need to make a successful transition from the classroom to the boardroom. Recognizing the convenience and popularity of social networking and online learning, Lewis built a virtual community where students and professionals can connect with their peers and enhance the knowledge and skills that breed success in the workplace.

Meanwhile, the 2009 Charles Box Award recipient is Hamilton Sundstrand for its outstanding history of reaching out to and supporting the region’s minority community. Hamilton Sundstrand encourages and financially supports the multiple affinity groups established by its employees. These groups include the Rockford African American Forum, Hispanic Leadership Forum, Asian-Pacific Forum, the Young Professionals Organization and the Rockford Leadership Club.

These groups bring a diversity of thought and competitive edge to Hamilton Sundstrand and also lead employee involvement in outreach programs focused on the minority community in the Rockford area.