Washington, DC (June 11, 2025) — The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) proudly announces the Round 1 winners of its newly launched Runway to Success program that recently hosted two supplier pitch competitions in Baton Rouge, LA and St. Louis, MO. These “Shark-Tank” tournament-style pitch competitions offered suppliers an opportunity to expand their business into the airport food and retail industry.
“Each Runway to Success event offered participants invaluable opportunities for mentorship, exposure and funding as they presented their business models and innovations tailored to the aviation industry. The winners demonstrated remarkable potential, creativity and readiness to scale their impact across airports, said Ricky D. Smith, Chair, AMAC Board of Directors / General Manager & CEO, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
2025 RUNWAY TO SUCCESS PITCH ROUND 1 COMPETITION WINNERS
ST. LOUIS, MO COMPETITION WINNERS
[St. Louis, MO] Kay Wells of Posie Pots- Posie Pots is perfectly tailored for those with busy lifestyles, offering a minimal-maintenance solution that keeps plant care simple and easy.
- TeaVoila is a patented compostable cup with tea already built at the bottom of the cup, just add hot water and enjoy .
- Bitoy’s Sweet Treats is a Chicago-based brand offering a premium line of handcrafted popcorn and artisan brownies that bring modern indulgence to traditional favorites.
- Good Boy Goodies is an all-natural dog treat brand that offers high-quality, wholesome snacks that keep tails wagging and pet parents happy.
BATON ROUGE, LA COMPETITION WINNERS
[Addis, LA] Tyrone and Jeanetta Taylor of You Fork’n Right- You Fork’n Right embodies the culinary value and quality of authentic Louisiana cuisine. It’s simple, tasty and reasonably priced. Packaged well and small enough for a carry-on.
- Charcuterie On The Fly is a beautifully crafted, individually packaged charcuterie box that provides travelers a sophisticated, convenient dining option before or between flights.
- Rejuvenation offers plant-based energy drinks and functional beverages, including sparkling okra water, crafted with natural ingredients to promote wellness and provide clean, long-lasting energy.
- Vacaciones Vodka Seltzers is a premium, vodka-based hard seltzer brand created for travelers who crave bold flavor and high-quality ingredients.
Round 1 winners will compete at the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference in New Orleans, LA. They will also receive national recognition, mentorship from industry leaders and opportunities to further engage with airport authorities and major contractors nationwide.
“AMAC is committed to fostering opportunities for exposure while igniting meaningful business development connections for small businesses aspiring to enter the aviation industry. These dynamic events spotlighted rising entrepreneurs, giving them a platform to pitch their products to industry leaders and airport executives – a potential game-changing opportunity to open doors to a space traditionally difficult to access,” said Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO, AMAC.
“As Chair of the AMAC Supplier Access and Opportunity Initiative, I am proud to congratulate the exceptional suppliers advancing to the Elite Eight round of Runway to Success. These visionary businesses represent the innovation, resilience, and excellence required to thrive in today’s aviation industry. Their advancement reflects the growing momentum for meaningful supplier inclusion across the nation’s airports. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to our remarkable hosts—St. Louis Lambert International Airport; Francois Lyles-Wiggins and her dedicated team at the Office of Business Diversity Development (BDD); Baton Rouge Councilman Cleve Dunn, Jr.; and the leadership at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR). Their unwavering support and partnership transformed this regional event into a national platform, paving the way for diverse suppliers to grow, compete, and lead. Together, we are redefining what access and opportunity look like in aviation.”—Shelia Hudson, President & CEO, Hudson and Associates; Central Regional Director, AMAC Board of Directors
“We were so honored to be one of two cities that hosted the first Runway to Success Pitch Competition. The amount of talent and product variety we had from our 14 participants was amazing, and this event was a great way to celebrate and hopefully elevate their businesses!”—Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, Director, St. Louis Lambert International Airport
“The Baton Rouge Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition featured 21 vendors presenting products, services, and ideas to top aviation industry players like SSP America, Hudson by Avolta, SP+, and Paradies Lagardère —leaders in airport retail, concessions, and operations worldwide. Entrepreneurs gained exposure, made key connections, and learned how to tailor scalable offerings for aviation retail, wholesale, and direct-to-consumer markets. As an entrepreneur, I aim to empower suppliers with tools, knowledge, and opportunities for lasting wealth and stability in the industry. Congrats to all participants, especially the Elite Eight for moving on to showcase their concepts at the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference in New Orleans this June.”– Cleve Dunn Jr., Council Member, Baton Rouge, LA (District 6), Commissioner, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport; Member, AMAC Foundation Board of Directors
AMAC extends congratulations to all the winners and participants for their inspiring contributions to the future of airport commerce, innovation and community impact.
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About Runway to Success
AMAC Runway to Success is a “Shark Tank-style” four-round progress supplier pitch competition to spotlight suppliers of goods and services with the potential to support and enhance the airport concessions industry. For more information, visit www.amac-org.com/rtswww.amac-org.com/rts.
About the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)
The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is the only national, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. Since 1984, AMAC has been at the forefront of nearly every national policy initiative impacting the participation of disadvantaged businesses in airport contracting. AMAC works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and strategic partners as resources for information, education and guidance on business and employment matters. AMAC represents a diverse membership of airports, corporations, minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises, and professionals within the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information, visit amac-org.com.
Media Contact:
Ramon Lo, Director of Membership & Industry Engagement, AMAC
rlo@amac-org.com
