ATLANTA, February 15, 2016—Governor Nathan Deal has proclaimed this third week in February, “Georgia Small Business Week.” To kick off Georgia Small Business Week, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) today recognized five companies as “Small Business Rock Stars.”
“While 99% of Georgia’s companies are considered small businesses, they are anything but small,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “These companies contribute greatly to our economy and are a prime reason that Georgia is the No. 1 state in the nation in which to do business for a third consecutive year.”
Of the 69 nominations submitted, reviewed and vetted by a panel of judges, the following companies were recognized for being outstanding, unique and impactful small businesses:
- Vizitech USA-Putnam County
- D&J Plastics-Quitman County
- IACThealth-Muscogee County
- Creature Comforts Brewing Company-Athens-Clarke County
- Reformation Brewery-Cherokee County
In addition to promoting innovation with an entrepreneurial spirit, these Small Business Rock Stars have shown increases in revenue, sales, exports, product lines, jobs and overall economic impact.
“The Georgia Small Business Rock Star initiative provides a perfect platform to showcase ground-breaking Georgia companies,” said GDEcD Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business Mary Ellen McClanahan. “It also drives attention to the resources we offer at the state level which aim to further strengthen the small-business industry’s economic vitality.”
“As a champion for economic development in Georgia, GEDA is happy to provide leadership and support for Georgia Small Business Week through the Rock Stars’ program,” said GEDA President Kevin Shea. “We look forward to celebrating with this year’s winners and continuing this noteworthy initiative in the years to come.”
For Governor Deal’s full proclamation, please click here.
About Vizitech USA:
Vizitech USA makes learning easier through a 3D holoprojected imaging process adding a new dimension to learning; they employ 12 and will soon be at 20.
- Originally developed for the military in Iraq, this new system helps people to remember 90% of what they read and see.
- Thousands of core curriculum lessons are loaded into a portable system allowing for 2D and 3D experiential learning, as opposed to kinesthetic, visual, auditory or reading styles of learning — grade scores increase by 33%
- GA DOT uses Vizitech’s simulator to determine how much sand/salt should be spread on icy roads as opposed to travelling to a frozen area during the storm – increasing proficiency, providing pre-storm prep & decreasing overtime.
- What started in a basement 2 years ago is now in 3 states w/office, sales, R&D, mfg & assembly in a revitalized building in downtown Eatonton
- Job creation increased 500% in 2 years - investment has increased by another million due to a USDA Rural ED Loan through the city of Eatonton.
- This loan to stimulate hi-tech jobs in rural areas is the first one ever to be given to a city to loan to a private business…a true pinnacle of P/P/P
- With $2M in revenue, Vizitech products are used in over 500 schools, colleges & universities; our technical colleges use them as do our utilities, state government and the military.
- Stewart sponsored and taught a summer tech camp for 4th – 8th graders teaching them how to write the technology & build and execute the product
For more info about Vizitech USA go to: http://vizitechusa.com/
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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 the Georgia Department of Economic Development Small Business division
The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s small business efforts and outreach are directed by GDEcD Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business Mary Ellen McClanahan. To access more information about these programs and more visit www.georgia.org/rockstars and www.georgia.org/smallbusinessweek.
About GEDA
Celebrating 51 years of service excellence, the Georgia Economic Developers Association is the leading professional organization advancing Georgia’s economic vitality. GEDA is a non-profit 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
