WINNERS
2025
·
JAY MALINA AWARD
Since the inception of The Beacon Awards, the Jay Malina Award has been presented to the local executive who has done the most to enhance Miami-Dade County through professional success and civic participation. Recognizing uncompromising integrity and leadership, the award honors the late Jay T. Malina, Founder and Co-Chair of the One Community One Goal initiative that established a master plan and implementation process focused on job creation for Greater Miami, Jay's legacy and his vision for a greater Miami-Dade County lives on. Jay's wife, Jana Sigars-Malina, and their daughter Powell proudly join The Beacon Council annually to present the Jay Malina Award to an individual who, like Jay, best combines economic development and business success with positive community involvement.
FOUNDERS AWARD
Established in 1985 by Sidney Levin, Theodore Hoepner, and Merrett R. Stierheim, The Beacon Council was built on the belief that economic success is a collective effort, one that thrives when business leaders, public officials, and community stakeholders unite with a shared purpose. This award recognizes those who carry forward that legacy, demonstrating visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and an unwavering dedication to advancing Miami’s prosperity.
Beacon’s Founders’ Award honors an individual or organization that has made a profound and lasting impact on Greater Miami’s economic landscape, embodying the founding vision of The Beacon Council—championing business growth, fostering public-private collaboration, and positioning Greater Miami as a world-class business destination.
AVIATION & AEROSPACE
Airlines, aircraft maintenance and repair organizations, aerospace manufacturers, avionics and defense technology firms, flight training centers, and other companies/service providers serving this sector that are driving sustainable, inclusive, and competitive economic growth.
AVIATION & AEROSPACE
FINANCE
Banks, wealth management firms, private equity & venture capital firms, fintech, hedge funds, family offices, investment firms, and other related firms that are driving sustainable, inclusive, and competitive economic growth.
FINANCE
LIFE SCIENCES & HEALTHCARE
Hospitals and healthcare systems, research institutions, biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers that are driving sustainable, inclusive, and competitive economic growth.
LIFE SCIENCES & HEALTHCARE
TECHNOLOGY
Fintech, proptech, healthtech, edtech, logistics technology, cybersecurity firms, resiliency tech, AI, blockchain, digital media firms, SaaS, e-commerce, data management, and other tech/innovation companies that are driving sustainable, inclusive, and competitive economic growth.
TECHNOLOGY
TRADE & LOGISTICS
Freight forwarding, supply chain management, e-commerce distribution centers, cold storage operators, maritime shipping companies, shipping companies that are driving sustainable, inclusive, and competitive economic growth.
TRADE & LOGISTICS
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Law firms, media, consulting firms, marketing and communications agencies, architectural and engineering firms, accounting firms, HR and staffing firms, and other business service providers that support economic growth and innovation.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
SMALL BUSINESS
This award honors an exceptional Miami-Dade-based small business that punches above its weight—driving meaningful impact, creating opportunity, and helping to shape the region’s economic future. With fewer than 50 employees and a track record of at least three years, this company exemplifies the innovation, resilience, and community commitment that define Greater Miami’s entrepreneurial spirit. Across industries, small businesses are the backbone of our economy—and this award recognizes one standout enterprise making a big difference.
SMALL BUSINESS
ONE2WATCH
Florida East Coast Realty
Momentum Miami
Kandji