Georgia's Small Business Rock Stars Honored

ATLANTA, March 16, 2015—Georgia's 'Small Business Rock Stars' were recognized today at a luncheon hosted by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) in Atlanta. Six Georgia small businesses were honored for being outstanding, unique and impactful in their community. 'Georgia's small businesses have a big impact in every corner of our state,' said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. 'This is an opportunity to put a spotlight on Georgia's small businesses and in particular, highlight some of our fastest growing small businesses through our new Small Business Rock Stars program.' Winners included Guardian Centers (Houston County), Savannah Bee Company (Chatham County), Water Shadow Enterprises, LLC (Fulton County), Aventure Aviation (Fayette County), Madjax (Grady County) and TSAV (Athens-Clarke County). 54 nominations were submitted and reviewed and vetted by a panel of judges. 'Small business is key to the good health of Georgia's quality business environment. It is these same small businesses that account for many of the jobs created in our great state,' said Kevin Shea, president of Georgia Economic Developers Association. 'GEDA welcomes this opportunity to join the Georgia Department of Economic Development to shine the spotlight on these very deserving small businesses.' The state is expanding efforts to reach small businesses seeking basic information and resources as well as those entrepreneurs interested in starting a new business. Last month, Governor Deal proclaimed Georgia's first-ever Small Business Week February 16 – 20, 2015. GDEcD also unveiled its new small business microsite during Georgia Small Business Week – www.georgia.org/smallbusiness - as part of the state's renewed focus on small business support in Georgia. In addition, GDEcD's new small business video has been awarded a 2015 gold AVA Awards for Video for Web/Government; a gold MarCom Award for Video/Film/Government and an Emerging Media Award at the 2014 Summit International Awards. Seven Georgia companies were also recognized as Small Business Rock Star Honorable Mentions including Buzzy/MMJ Labs (Fulton County), GawdyBobbles and Canoe Bags (Fannin County), Innovative Senior Solutions (Sumter County), JodyJazz Inc. (Chatham County, Pulse Medical Inc. (Fannin County), Sweet Grass Dairy (Thomas County), YSS Athletics (Gwinnett County). Nearly 98 percent of Georgia's businesses employ fewer than 100 with more than 700,000 registered businesses in the state. Additionally, almost 95 percent of Georgia companies employ fewer than 50. The state of Georgia has been ranked in the top 10 best U.S. states to start a business by Entrepreneur.com and has been cited for its 'small business friendliness' from a survey done by the Kauffman Foundation. The Georgia Department of Economic Development's small business efforts and outreach are directed by Mary Ellen McClanahan, Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business.  To access more information about these programs and more visit www.georgia.org/rockstars and www.georgia.org/smallbusinessweek.