At the annual Go Global Reception, Governor and First Lady Nathan Deal and the Georgia Department of Economic Development presented 26 companies with a GLOBE Award. This state-led awards program highlights companies that entered into a new international market in the previous year.

“The ability to remain competitive both domestically and internationally is vital in our ever-changing economy,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “In just under a year, 26 companies expanded into 102 international markets – this makes it clear that Georgia is an ideal place for business growth. We congratulate the GLOBE Award winners, value our partnership with them and look forward to continuing our support in their future progress.”

In 2015, the 26 GLOBE Award winners from 15 counties across the state collectively expanded into 102 new markets. A significant percentage of winners represent Georgia’s fast growing small business industry.

These companies contributed to the state’s continued export successes. In 2015 Georgia exports topped $38.5 billion and reached 217 countries and territories.

The Go Global reception is an annual event that allows Georgia companies to network with Georgia’s international representatives from Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

“Leveraging international trade opportunities is integral to economic development in Georgia. Companies in nearly every county in Georgia have utilized GDEcD’s international trade services to expand their business on a global scale,” said GDEcD Deputy Commissioner of International Trade Mary Waters. “Receiving a GLOBE Award not only provides a chance for companies to be recognized for their hard work, but it also highlights the opportunities we offer at the state level to help companies thrive in competitive markets.”

Among the winners, a few of the most popular new markets included China, Italy and Malaysia.

This year’s GLOBE Award winners include: 

Aventure Aviation

Bell Plantation, Inc.

MMJ Labs/Buzzy Pain Solutions

Daniel Defense, Inc.

Digital Element

Discover Destinations

Dustex LLC

GF Health Products, Inc.

Hydro Dynamics, Inc.

Interactive Communications International Inc.

KontrolFreek

Master Wall Inc.

MetalTech-USA

Millennium Mat Company

One-World, Inc.

Poriferous LLC

Pyrotechnic Specialties Inc.

Red Brick Brewing Company

Richland Rum

SASCO Chemical Group, Inc.

Savannah Bee Company

ServiceCentral Technologies, Inc.

Signature Pet Products

Sustainable Corporate Network

Synensys, LLC

ZCorum

The following entities were sponsors for the 2016 Go Global reception:

DIAMOND

Atlanta Metro Export Plan

Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development

Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce/ Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Dalton-Whitfield Joint Development Authority

GOLD

Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department

Georgia Chamber of Commerce

Savannah Economic Development Authority and World Trade Center Savannah

The Development Authority of Clayton County
SILVER

Coweta County Development Authority

Georgia District Export Council

Griffin-Spalding Development Authority

Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

PPi