The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced 27 Georgia business recipients of the 2023 GLOBE Award. Managed by the Department’s International Trade team, this state-led awards program highlights Georgia companies that expanded sales to new international markets in the previous year. A full list of winners can be found here.

“This year’s class of GLOBE Award winners represent the diversity of Georgia’s economy – including the hospitality, financial technology, healthcare and life sciences, agriculture, food and beverage, and manufacturing industries – and the strength of our state’s small businesses,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Of the 27 recipients, 85% have fewer than 100 employees worldwide, and more than half have fewer than 20 employees total. Their size is more proof of the grit shown by our small businesses. Congratulations to this year’s winners!”

Recognized for their 2022 export activity, this year’s winners collectively expanded sales to 55 separate countries. Canada, South Africa, Taiwan, and the UAE were the most active new markets. Three outstanding companies were named 2023 Exporters of the Year in the small, medium, and large company categories, with three additional companies being recognized as first time exporters in 2022.

“Last year, the state recorded a record-breaking $47 billion in exports, demonstrating the rising global demand for Georgia products,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Our International Trade team continues to diligently work with Georgia businesses to refine their market entry strategies, and we are proud to have worked with 85% of this year’s GLOBE Award winners for at least three years. We are also thankful to our International Representatives who support our global presence, with nearly 60% of recipients entering one of the 12 strategic markets served by an international office.” 

The GLOBE Awards program began in 2014 to recognize local businesses contributing to Georgia’s economic growth through global trade. Since 2014, GDEcD has presented 323 GLOBE Awards to companies across 46 Georgia counties. The winners built successful market entry strategies demonstrating their commitment, determination, and willingness to leverage export resources.

“The 2023 GLOBE Awards highlight just a few of the Georgia small and medium-sized businesses that are exploring growth opportunities through international trade,” said GDEcD Deputy Commissioner of International Trade Mary Waters. “These companies are putting in the time, effort, and dedication to realize the benefits of trade, and 88% of this year’s recipients recently utilized the resources our team provides. These resources include anything from market research to connecting with qualified customers, to Go Global Georgia export grants. We are proud of the tenacity of our small business community, and we look forward to what they can accomplish next.”

2023 Exporters of the Year:

Small company (1-20 employees): ProgenaCare Global – Marietta, Cobb County
Marietta-based ProgenaCare Global is the manufacturer of the world’s only commercially available human keratin matrix for wound care, ProgenaMatrix®. A purpose-driven medical device company, they leverage their advances in biomaterials and digital technologies to provide effective, affordable, and advanced wound care solutions to patients of all demographics worldwide. ProgenaCare exported for the first time in 2022, using innovative methods to expand their global distribution network and philanthropic initiatives.

Mid-size company (21-100 employees): T Stamp dba Trust Stamp – Atlanta, Fulton County
T Stamp, doing business as (dba) Trust Stamp is a fast-growing data security company that delivers trusted digital identity systems that ensure data privacy and security for consumers and business across industries. Their advanced technology uses AI biometric identification that retains functionality of identity authentication while securing the underlying biometric data from loss. Trust Stamp’s patience and tenacity in engaging with difficult-to-penetrate markets has resulted in rapid globalization and adoption of their technology. 

Large company (101+ employees): Americo Manufacturing – Acworth, Cobb County
Founded in 1969, Americo Manufacturing has been exporting their high-quality, effective floor care products to the world since 1977. Headquartered in Acworth, Americo combines their Made in USA quality with environmental sustainability, proving that clean floors can be made responsibly. Americo’s dedicated export team manages a client portfolio that spans the globe, and they have continually found new opportunities for international trade each year. 

New to Exporting in 2023:

• Digiglobal Media Group LLC – Conyers, Rockdale County 

• Genesis Medical Supply Service – Acworth, Cobb County 

• Smart Gladiator, LLC – Atlanta, Fulton County