The International Achievement Award was created in 1998, and is presented by the Lafayette International Center and its advisory board, the Lafayette International Center Foundation. It is designed to honor an individual, organization or company that has significantly enhanced Acadiana’s international reputation. Each nominee must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, with preference given to residents of Acadiana or residents of Louisiana. As the Lafayette  International Center is a trade development organization, primary consideration is accorded to individuals whose activities have helped draw economic benefits to the Lafayette area.