Six Georgia small businesses have been recognized as “Small Business Rock Stars” in a new joint program of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA).  The competition recognizes outstanding, unique and impactful small businesses throughout the state.

“These awards recognize the fact that, with 95 percent of Georgia’s businesses employing under 50 people, small business is clearly big business in Georgia,” said GDEcD commissioner Chris Cummiskey.  “Georgia ranks as one of the best states in which to start a business thanks to its diversity, abundance of resources, and entrepreneur-friendly policies.”

“It’s important to honor companies whose best practices help set the state apart as a nurturing environment for small business,” said Mike Pennington, president of GEDA. “This is the first time our two groups have collaborated specifically on small business awareness, and we are very pleased with the response by Georgia’s small business community.”

Companies with up to 50 employees were considered for uniqueness and innovation, as well as their involvement with their local economic developers and state resource providers. Companies were nominated in fields ranging from information technology and healthcare to racing and restaurants.

“We were very happy to receive almost 50 nominations, more than we expected for this first-time effort,” said Mary Ellen McClanahan, Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business with GDEcD. “GEDA members and Georgia’s communities took this opportunity to heart and we are proud that so many responded with such interest.”

The awards were presented Monday in Atlanta at a ceremony attended by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle.  The six top winners are: 
• Atlanta Light Bulbs, Inc. – DeKalb County
• Azalea Health Innovations – Lowndes County
• Café Campesino – Sumter County
• FactoryMation – Cherokee County
• Lauri Jo’s Southern Style Canning – Colquitt County
• Restaurant Interiors, Inc. – Pickens County

Honorable mentions went to: 
• Bilingual Familia Consulting & International School – Bryan County
• Edge Solutions, LLC – Fulton County
• Infinity Network Solutions, Inc. – Bibb County
• Pest Control Insulation – Banks County