2014 Large Business of the Year

EMS Consultants has been in business in Troup County since 1988. Defying the odds, the business has consistently created new jobs for the region at a time when the unemployment rate was at its highest. The company’s staff grew from 25 employees in 2008 to 91 employees today. They have also created internship opportunities for students at the University of West Georgia, West Georgia Technical College and the Everest Institute—and they’ve hired many of these graduates full-time! As a software developer to the ambulance industry across the southern and eastern United States, EMS Consultants has a client base of more than 250 ambulance providers.

2014 Manufacturer of the Year

Beginning in a small building just outside of LaGrange in 1963, Mountville Mills currently maintains more than 640,000 square feet in manufacturing plants and employees more than 600 associates, almost 400 of which are employed in LaGrange. Now global, they operate divisions in China, Belgium, and Canada. They are the largest manufacturer of rubber-backed mats in North America. Still a family-owned business, the company has been recognized as the top supplier in their industry and as the State of Georgia’s Family-Owned Business of the Year. Truly a “homegrown” company that is creating jobs and future opportunities for our local residents, Mountville Mills also creates opportunities for students through their Internal Management Trainee Program.

2014 Manufacturer of the Year

A relative “newcomer,” locating in Troup County in 2010, Powertech America’s business performance has been stellar. With an overcapacity of demand, the company has been able to adapt their production processes to meet that demand and still deliver a quality product on time while creating more than 500 new jobs. They have quietly supported area education and community non-profit organizations through financial and volunteer support, including being one of the first businesses to support the local college and career initiative. Their commitment to developing a top-quality workforce through individualized staff development plans that recognize each employee through their self-driven skills matrix and career path is impressive.

2014 Small Business of the Year (0-5 employees)

Jerry Cleaveland Agency proves that you can teach an old dog new tricks . . . or in this case and the business owner’s own email address (oldagent@charter.net)–an old agent . . . new business strategies. Rather than continuing to do business the way he had for the previous 30 years, Jerry Cleaveland has evolved his business plan for the past three years and reaped business success. With an aggressive marketing and community relations plan, the firm conducts regular SWOT analysis to establish sales goals and benchmark customer service. With the front desk team member serving as CEO of First Impressions, this year’s winner will continue to excel in customer service satisfaction.

2014 Small Business of the Year (6-10 employees)

Dave Murray and the team of The Meridien Companies may be termed “small” in terms of the number of employees, but their business is global. With its headquarters in a historic downtown LaGrange home and sales office located worldwide, this company’s sales doubled in 2013 and are projected to increase 50 percent over last year in 2014. Despite its success, the company states that it is at a crossroads. Reaching its original business plan that centers its brand identity on doing business here in the USA even though they manufacture and sell hospitality products and furnishings around the world. This recipient epitomizes the term “glocalization”—doing business globally but remaining committed to its local team and community.