On Thursday, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced this year’s recipients of the GLOBE Awards, the state’s program that highlights companies that are expanding sales in international markets.
There are 27 recipients this year, ranging from an agriculture products company in Cobb County to a pain management company based in DeKalb. Collectively, the recognized companies expanded sales to 55 new countries. Most of the new activity was to common export markets such as Canada, South Africa, Taiwan and the UAE.
“This year’s class of GLOBE Award winners represent the diversity of Georgia’s economy – including the hospitality, financial technology, healthcare and life sciences, agriculture, food and beverage, and manufacturing industries – and the strength of our state’s small businesses,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Of the 27 recipients, 85% have fewer than 100 employees worldwide, and more than half have fewer than 20 employees total. Their size is more proof of the grit shown by our small businesses. Congratulations to this year’s winners!”
The awards began in 2014 as part of an effort to recognize and support the state’s economic growth through international trade. Since that time, more than 300 companies have been recognized across 46 Georgia counties.
“Last year, the state recorded a record-breaking $47 billion in exports, demonstrating the rising global demand for Georgia products,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Our International Trade team continues to diligently work with Georgia businesses to refine their market entry strategies, and we are proud to have worked with 85% of this year’s GLOBE Award winners for at least three years. We are also thankful to our International Representatives who support our global presence, with nearly 60% of recipients entering one of the 12 strategic markets served by an international office.”
Three companies were recognized as “Exporters of the Year” in small, mid-size and large categories:
- Small company (1-20 employees): ProgenaCare Global – Marietta, Cobb County
- Mid-size company (21-100 employees): T Stamp dba Trust Stamp – Atlanta, Fulton County
- Large company (101+ employees): Americo Manufacturing – Acworth, Cobb County
ProgenaCare is the world’s only manufacturer of commercially available “human keratin matrix” for wound care, Trust Stamp is a data security company that sells digital identity systems and Americo has been exporting floor care products since 1977.
“The 2023 GLOBE Awards highlight just a few of the Georgia small and medium-sized businesses that are exploring growth opportunities through international trade,” said GDEcD Deputy Commissioner of International Trade Mary Waters. “These companies are putting in the time, effort, and dedication to realize the benefits of trade, and 88% of this year’s recipients recently utilized the resources our team provides. These resources include anything from market research to connecting with qualified customers, to Go Global Georgia export grants. We are proud of the tenacity of our small business community, and we look forward to what they can accomplish next.”
The full list of GLOBE Award winners can be found here.
