Crescent Kayaks was named as one of five 2023 Small Business ROCK STARS by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) as part of the state’s celebration of Georgia Small Business Week 2023, recognized Monday, May 1, through Friday, May 5.
“Being successful is great, but being able to respect the industry as a whole and support the community is phenomenal!” – James Derbecker, Owner of Crescent Kayaks.
Crescent Kayaks will be featured on GDEcD’s Small Business Facebook and Twitter platforms and highlighted by the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) on May 2, 2023.
“From providing niche services to exporting in markets across the world, Georgia’s small businesses have an oversized, positive impact in their communities,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “From an impressive 4,000 nominations, we have had the privilege of recognizing 50 Small Business ROCK STARS since the program’s inception. We’re excited to congratulate these special businesses as they are named ROCK STARS in Georgia!”
The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Small Business team, along with the Georgia Economic Developers Association, created the Small Business ROCK STAR awards as a way to salute the risks, innovations, outreach, and impact of the state’s small businesses. Each of this year’s winners have fewer than 300 full-time employees, are involved in charitable programs in their communities, and were founded in the State of Georgia.
“Economic development is more than just attracting big industrial companies – it is about helping to improve the quality of life for future generations. That work starts at the community level by supporting small and medium-sized local businesses through initiatives like main street and downtown development, investing in existing and new infrastructure, and improving the standard of living for residents,” said GEDA President and CEO Grant Cagle. “In return, these local companies reflect the diverse interests and opportunities that make each Georgia community unique. This year’s winners represent a variety of industries and regions across the state, and we look forward to continuing to support these businesses and others like them!”
Interested in nominating a local small business? Nominations for the 2024 Small Business ROCK STARS will be open from May 8 through October 30, 2023. For additional information about Georgia’s Small Business ROCK STAR awards, visit georgia.org/rockstars.
About GDEcD: The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for arts, film and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.
About GEDA: The Georgia Economic Developers Association 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.
About Carroll County Chamber of Commerce: The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce is Carroll County’s largest business organization with over 660 members. The Chamber is the leading voice of business and provides broad range of member opportunities including its signature Annual Gala, Golf Tournament, and Harvest Dinner, along with monthly membership breakfasts with prominent guest speakers, Business After Hours, and Coffee & Conversation. For more information, visit www.carroll-ga.org or call 770-832-2446.
