Announcing Augusta’s Best in Business Awards 2019

Corporation of the Year, Large and Small Manufacturer of the Year, Augusta’s Entrepreneur

^{(pictured from left to right: Andy Jones and David Jones, Gerald Jones Auto Group; Gunnar Kleveland, Textron Specialized Vehicles; Frank Andrew, Carol Fabrics; and Dennis Trotter, Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate)}

The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Augusta Economic Development Authority, is pleased to announce the 2019 Augusta’s Best in Business award recipients. The honorees were celebrated at the Chamber’s Member Economic Luncheon on December 12.

This year’s Augusta’s Entrepreneur award was presented to Troy Jordan and Dennis Trotter of Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate. The annual Augusta’s Entrepreneur award, presented by South State Bank, recognizes an entrepreneur who has distinguished themselves not only by their success in business, but also their creativity, innovative spirit and community involvement. Owned and founded by Troy and Dennis, Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate has sold, leased and developed over $300 million transactions in the last 6 years, and manages over 1 million square feet of space throughout the CSRA. Their belief in service and investment in the community is proven by the more than 17 local organizations that benefit from the time and commitment given by the entire Jordan Trotter team.

Corporation of the Year, which recognizes a company who has distinguished themselves with outstanding commitment to business development, market expansion and community development, is Gerald Jones Auto Group. Established in 1974, the Gerald Jones Auto Group has been exceeding the region’s automotive sales and services needs for 45 years. Over the last 4 years, Gerald Jones Auto Group has expanded their local facility imprint by 64%, with plans to expand further in the next year. Their corporate culture recognizes talent in the field and exceptional customer care. Extending beyond their team, it is part of the company’s values to serve together on community service projects with more than 1,200 service hours committed to local nonprofits.

Carole Fabrics was awarded 2019 Small Manufacturer of the Year and Textron Specialized Vehicles took home Large Manufacturer of the Year. These awards, presented by Georgia Power, recognize outstanding manufacturing companies that have used technology to remain competitive and grow. Carole Fabrics has operated in the Augusta area for 60 years. Just this year, the company executed a new cloud-based system, invested over $1 million in new equipment and committed to improve employee career path advancement. Their innovation efforts include developing a method to apply technology never used in their industry segment before, bringing to market a product different from anything currently available.

Founded in 1954, Textron Specialized Vehicles, our 2019 Large Manufacturer of the Year, produces a diverse line of products built in Augusta by its local workforce of 1,300 employees and sold worldwide. Textron has been the source of groundbreaking technologies and numerous industry-firsts. In a recent collaboration with Samsung, Textron became the first manufacturer to offer an electric option powered by battery at fleet scale and at an affordable price point. Textron continues to invest in its hometown. All combined, the entire team commits their time and services to more than 14 local organizations.

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