Georgia Honors State’s 2020 ‘Small Business ROCK STARS

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ATLANTA, June 16, 2020 —Today, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) teamed up to recognize Georgia’s 2020 Small Business ROCK STARS. Originally set to take place in April, the ceremony to celebrate the four winning businesses was transformed into a completely virtual production to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson recognized the four Small Business ROCK STARS for their outstanding, unique and impactful work across the state with recorded videos. To view all of the videos, please click here.

“As a small business owner for over 30 years, I know the immense sacrifice, dedication, and resilience it takes just to get started,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “I will continue to do everything I can to support Georgia’s entrepreneurs, and would like to thank each of our 2020 Small Business ROCK STARS for taking risks and creating jobs and opportunities for hardworking Georgians across our state.”

This year’s 2020 Small Business ROCK STARS are: 

“Our small businesses reflect the state’s entrepreneurial spirit and strength,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Congratulations to all of our Small Business ROCK STARS and all of the small businesses across Georgia who continue to face the hurdles caused by COVID-19 with innovation and creativity.”

The Georgia Department of Economic Development's Small Business team created the ROCK STARS program to show the important role that small businesses play in Georgia’s communities and economy. During COVID-19, companies across the state have shown incredible resilience in following social distancing and sanitation guidelines, keeping operations running, and continuing to protect their employees and customers. The 2020 Small Business ROCK STARS were recognized for having a big impact in their communities including increases in revenue, sales, exporting, product lines, job creation and overall economic impact.

“I applaud all of Georgia’s small businesses for dreaming big and making those dreams come true,” said Kevin Shea, GEDA president. “It is never easy to keep a small business afloat, especially during these most difficult times of this pandemic, so GEDA congratulates all of the Small Business Rock Star Award nominees and particularly the winners!”

For individual videos featuring each of the 2020 Small Business ROCK STARS, visit the corresponding links below: 
Compilation video: https://youtu.be/FntiLVgi81o 
Southern Baked Pie Co.: https://youtu.be/B_PYXABFHKM
Hatchworks Technologies: https://youtu.be/LNTqyJ8Jhzc 
Blackhawk Fly Fishing: https://youtu.be/jDZBup_QHVU 
High Road Craft Brands: https://youtu.be/GRbVH_aWvwo

To access more information about the state’s small business resources, visit georgia.org/small-business.

About the Georgia Department of Economic Development 
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of existing industry and small business, locate new markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia and promote the state as a top destination for arts events and film, music and digital entertainment projects.

About GEDA 
Celebrating 56 years of service excellence, the Georgia Economic Developers Association is the leading professional organization advancing Georgia’s economic vitality. GEDA is a nonprofit association of professionals, volunteers and supporters. The association provides networking and professional development opportunities for its members, and supports public policies that promote quality job creation and sustainable economic development throughout the state. For more information, visit www.geda.org.

Contact

Jessica Atwell
Communications Manager
404-962-4086
[email protected]