And the "Crowns of Enterprise" awards go to...

 Four local businesses were honored Thursday night at the second-annual Crowns of Enterprise Awards ceremony, hosted by the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The businesses that won the award were recognized for demonstrating "exemplary leadership and sound business strategies." 

Here's are the winners and who accepted the award:

Small Business Enterprise of the Year: Tobin Starr + Partners, David Tobin and Steve Starr
 The Charlotte-based architectural and design firm, which was founded in 1999, specializes in community, corporate and consumer planning and design.

Minority Business Enterprise of the Year: R.J. Leeper Construction, Ron J. Leeper
The minority-owned general construction company mentors subcontractors and involves minorities in all areas of projects. 

Woman Business Enterprise of the Year: Crescent Construction Services, Traci Williams 
The minority and woman-owned firm specializes in commercial and industrial commissioning and project management.

Rising Star Business of the Year: Red Rooster Contractors, Milagritos Aguilar
Red Rooster Contractors is a small, minority, woman-owned residential and commercial roofing firm. The Rising Business of the Year award was presented to a nominated firm that demonstrated 
exceptional business practices and promising growth by the five member judging board of local small 
business community leaders.

"Small and minority owned businesses make-up the heart of our community and stepping-out to recognize them is the best way to encourage more entrepreneurs to step forward.," said Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioner's Vice Chair Kim Ratliff, in a statement.