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Six industry winners, along with One2Watch and Small Business awards to be announced live on Oct. 26
MIAMI, FL (September 30, 2026) – The Beacon Council Foundation, together with the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, the County’s official public-private economic development partnership, is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Beacon Awards, recognizing the companies, organizations, and leaders whose impact is helping move Greater Miami forward.
Selected from nominations across sectors, this year’s finalists reflect the momentum of Greater Miami’s economy from aviation, finance, and healthcare to professional services, technology, and trade. Winners across the six (6) Sector Awards, along with the One2Watch Award and Small Business Award will be announced live at the 2026 Beacon Awards on October 26 at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, beginning with a private reception hosted by The Palace Group. More than 600 business and community leaders are expected to come together for the annual celebration of leadership and impact across Miami-Dade.
And the 2026 Beacon Award Finalists Are …
Six Sector Awards
Aviation & Aerospace
Aeras Aviation
Flying Classroom
GA Telesis
Greater Miami Aviation Association, Inc
Finance
Blackstone
Flex
U.S. Century Bank
Life Sciences & Healthcare
Galderma
Health Foundation of South Florida
United HomeCare
Professional Services
Kaufman Rossin
Sidley Austin
Urban-X Group LLC
Technology
eMerge Americas
Hotwire
Hut 8
Trade & Logistics
ALLYO Global Logistics (formerly Interport Logistics)
Captiva Containers
SAVAGE | Foods Alliance
Two Category Awards
One2Watch
Michelle Shirley
Shavon Saint Preux
Soraya Roberts
Small Business
Amatheon Animal Hospital
Hextronics
Three Zero Five Transportation
“From established companies making significant investments in our community to small businesses and emerging leaders building for the future, each finalist is contributing to the incredible momentum that continues to strengthen Miami’s position as a world-class global business destination,” said Rodrick T. Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council.
“While one winner in each category will take home the award, every finalist has earned a place in this year’s celebration and Miami’s history through the impact they are making in our community,” said Chair of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council and Chief Executive Officer of rbb Communications Christine Barney. “
“Selecting this year’s finalists was no easy task. Across every category, we saw companies and leaders creating jobs, investing in our community, and driving real impact. We look forward to celebrating them,” said Pablo Pino, 2026 Beacon Awards Host Committee Chair and South Florida Market President for TD Bank.
In addition to the competitive award categories, the Beacon Foundation will also recognize three special honorees: Helen & Jacob Shaham, founders and owners of The Palace Group of Senior Living Communities, will receive the Jay Malina Leadership Award, honoring executive leadership and civic impact; Sheldon T. Anderson, chairman, Grove Bank & Trust, will receive the Founders’ Award, recognizing visionary leadership carrying the Council’s founding legacy forward; and Florida Power & Light will receive the Corporate Catalyst Award, recognizing organizations driving economic growth and civic advancement, which is new to the awards roster this year. The visionary leaders were announced earlier this summer and will be presented at the signature awards event.
“Miami’s growth as a global center for technology, innovation and healthcare is fueled by those who invest not only in its economy, but in its people and its future,” said Matthew A. Love, President & CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System. “Helen and Jacob Shaham embody that spirit. Their extraordinary philanthropy has helped advance pediatric cancer care and innovation through the Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute at Nicklaus Children’s, leaving a lasting impact on children, families and our broader community. We are especially pleased to celebrate their leadership, alongside the companies and leaders whose vision continues to move Miami forward.”
The 2026 Beacon Awards are made possible through the generous support of business and community partners who share in the commitment to recognizing the people and organizations moving Miami forward, including this year’s Presenting Sponsors – Miami-Dade College (Technology), Nicklaus Children’s Health System (Life Sciences & Healthcare), Univision Contigo (Professional Services), Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (One2Watch), and TD Bank (Small Business).
For decades, the Beacon Awards have recognized the visionary leaders, companies, and organizations whose contributions have helped shape Greater Miami. The 2026 program continues that legacy while putting a spotlight on those creating opportunities, driving innovation, and building for future generations. To learn more about the history of the awards and view a list of sponsors, click here.
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About the Beacon Foundation
The Beacon Council Foundation is a 501(C) (3), a Florida not-for-profit organization and an affiliate of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, a 501(C) (6), created exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. The Miami-Dade Beacon Council is the sole member of the Foundation and has oversight and control over the Foundation’s fiscal and programmatic activities. The Beacon Awards program is a component of the current One Community One Goal (OCOG) initiative to diversify the local economy and promote higher-paying jobs.
About the Miami-Dade Beacon Council
The Miami-Dade Beacon Council is the County’s official economic development partnership, focused on driving a more sustainable, inclusive, and competitive economy for Greater Miami. Since 1985, The Beacon Council has attracted more than 160,000 new jobs and $8.4 billion in investments to the region. For more information, visit The Beacon Council’s website.
Press Contact: press@beaconcouncil.com
