Nominations are open for Georgia’s 2020 Small Business Rock Stars
Georgia is consistently ranked as a top State in the U.S. for doing business. Area Development Magazine consistently names Georgia the “Number 1 State for Doing Business”. Georgia’s success in economic development is because of the strong support given to business and industry in communities all across the State. Equally as important: Georgia’s commitment to entrepreneurship and small businesses.
Each year the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) partner to recognize “Georgia’s Small Business Rock Stars.” https://www.georgia.org/small-business/how-to-become-a-small-business-rock-star Small Business Rock Stars are those startups that have shown an extraordinary level of innovation, success, or positive impact on their community.
Nominations are open for the 2020 Small Business Rock Stars. Brunswick | Glynn County is home to outstanding small business owners that deserve to be recognized. Please take a moment to nominate one of our deserving business or share this with a company that you know rocks. Deadline for nominations is September 30 at midnight.
We have some Small Business Rock Stars of our own in Brunswick, Georgia. Find inspiration for your nomination by reading these past features from our local media and community organizations.
Dot & Army
Fine Cloth Napkins Handmade in Downtown Brunswick
Dot & Army had owned the store space back in May of 2016, and they are celebrating their storefront Anniversary this month, operating as a double business.
This isn’t the full history of Dot & Army. They have been in business for eight years.
Prior to selling cloth napkins and other fabric goods, Jennifer, owner of Dot & Army, had been in California. She held a close relationship with her grandparents. Dot * Army (who are the namesakes to the downtown store). However, when she would make her family visits to Georgia, she struggled to find a Georgia-Made souvenir.
Inspired by her mother who taught her how to sew, Dot & Army began their online shop. Eventually, the family decided to move all their production goods into a store front downtown nearly a year ago. Since then, Dot & Army has branched out. Removing layers of carpet and revealing the original hardwood floors, their store took on a new look as Jennifer managed to create a store that sold all Georgia-Made products, including her famous napkins.
As the back of her store is filled with walls of thread, boxes of fabric, and several sewing machines, all with a single stiching function, she often makes quality napkins and other dining wear fabrics to restaurants, such as the one picturedgoing to a seafood restaurant in Chicago.
Indigo’s Coastal Shanty
Where Vacation is a State of Mind
We have a new owner over at Indigo’s Coastal Shanty. Judah Lynch has been working in restaurants for decades and has an extensive history with a love for culinary arts. Judah, already passionate about downtown was more than happy to participate with the Mainstreet Alliance.
Most people are familiar wit
h Kate Buchannan, the original owner of the restaurant. However, it seems that Indigo’s is still in great hands. “Kate wanted to sell,” Judah explained during our interview. “We carried a similar philosophy on how we treat people, employees, and food.” Of course, Judah loved the restaurant for the same reasons Kate intended. Judah describes Indigos as “a casual, colorful, coastal environment that you don’t find anywhere else. It provides fun and interesting food with no boundaries and a great meld of flavor.”
Judah’s passion for food began when he was very young. He grew up in a military family, which meant a lot of traveling. His grandmother was also a nutritionist which only furthered his interest. If you’re worried that the menu will change with the owner, have no fear. “The menu stays the same,” Judah stated, assuring that the creativity comes in the specials.
