Cherokee Company is a 'Small Business Rock Star'

A Cherokee County business recently achieved statewide rock star status. 

FactoryMation was recognized on Monday as one of Georgia's Small Business Rock Stars, a joint initiative by the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) and the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). 

The intiaitive recognizes outstanding and unique small businesses in Georgia.

"These awards recognize the fact that, with 95 percent of Georgia’s businesses employing fewer than 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."

Companies with up to 50 employees were considered for uniqueness and innovation, as well as for their involvement with their local economic developers and state resource providers. 

Those nominated come from a wide range of fields, including information technology and healthcare to racing and restaurants. Six companies were named winners in the competition, and four companies received honorable mentions.

“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 companies who received awards and honorable mentions were recognized on Monday in a ceremony attended by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle in Atlanta. 

FactoryMation CEO Russ Sanders, who informed the audience of his business's beginnings from his basement to a company with over 12,000 offerings in its product line, noted "We appreciate being nominated and are honored to accept this award." 

The Canton-based business is a national distributor of industrial control products with over 30,000 parts offered. Situated in The Bluffs, the company last year announced plans to construct a 62,500 square-foot facility that will serve as its headquarters and distribution location. 

Misti Martin, President of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) and former GEDA Chair, commended FactoryMation as a "true small business success story," and noted Cherokee County was fortunate to have them within its borders.