City of Charlotte Celebrates the 24th Mayor’s International Community Awards

Charlotte, North Carolina – April 15, 2024

The City of Charlotte recently celebrated the 24th edition of the Mayor’s International Community Awards (MICA), an event that recognizes the outstanding contributions of foreign-owned firms and individuals to the Charlotte region. Hosted by the Charlotte International Cabinet and the Office of the Mayor, MICA has been an important annual tradition since 1998.

Recognizing Achievements

The prestigious awards ceremony honors foreign-owned companies for their philanthropic efforts and contributions to the community. Additionally, MICA acknowledges individuals and organizations for their exceptional leadership and impact on Charlotte’s international community. The three categories for these awards are the Richard Vinroot International Achievement Award, the CIC International Entrepreneur Award, and the Global Leader Award.

Nomination Process

All foreign-owned firms in the Charlotte region are eligible for nomination for the Mayor’s International Community Awards. Nominations can be submitted year-round, and the selection criteria are outlined on the awards form available on the City of Charlotte’s official website. Companies that demonstrate exemplary corporate social responsibility, community engagement, and leadership qualities are considered for the prestigious accolades.

Previous Winners

Over the years, MICA has recognized a diverse range of foreign-owned companies for their positive contributions to the Charlotte community. Past winners have included industry giants and small businesses alike, highlighting the global impact of Charlotte’s business landscape.

Some of the previous winners in the small company category (1-50 local employees) include Salice America Inc. from Italy, Kumon from Japan, Godiva Chocolatier from Turkey, and more. Medium company winners (51-200 local employees) have included companies like Dassault Systèmes from France, Groninger USA from Germany, and LensCrafters from Italy. In the large company category (201+ local employees), past winners have included Bakkavor from the United Kingdom, Husqvarna Group from Sweden, and Rack Room Shoes from Germany.

24th MICA Ceremony

The planning for the 24th Mayor’s International Community Awards is already underway, with nominations being accepted for the upcoming event. The ceremony, which showcases the diversity and global connectivity of Charlotte’s business community, is a testament to the city’s thriving international presence.

To watch last year’s MICA ceremony and stay updated on the latest news and events, interested individuals can visit the City of Charlotte’s official YouTube channel and website.