J&M Pool Services named Small Business of the Year Overall Winner

J&M Pool Services of Newnan (above) was named the Overall Winner and the Employer Category Winner of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber’s 2018 Small Business of the Year Awards, which were presented by SouthTowne Motors and UBS Financial Services, Inc., on August 29, 2018 at The Newnan Centre. Other category winners this year included the Entrepreneur Category Winner, Dirt1x, and the Growth Category Winner, Monster Tree Service. Other finalists this year included Cleaning With a Cause; Fine Lines Art & Framing; Goldens on the Square; Knox Pest Control Inc.; Mid-Georgia Garage Doors, Inc.; Moto-Tec-it.com; and The Lighting Studio.

The 2018 Honorable Mention Award Winners were Alfa Insurance; Aquanaut Plumbing Services; At Home Assistants; Cycle City Powersports; Digital Collective; Popped! Gourmet Popcorn and Fun Treats; and Tim Stout & Associates.

Doug Bates of CMIT Solutions of Fayette/Coweta, last year's Overall Winner, served as emcee of the event.

For the first time, the Chamber this year decided to present a new award, the Legacy Award, designed to recognize a longtime Coweta County business that is known for its contributions to the local economy. The award this year was shared by Crain Oil and Lindsey's, Inc. Realtors. Other Legacy Award finalists included McKoon Funeral Home, Lee-King and Lee-Goodrum Pharmacies, and Murphey Florist.

The speaker for this year's lunch was Nick Carse of King of Pops, at left, a business that can be found all across the Southeast with its famous pushcarts and rainbow umbrellas, in “poptails” at bars and restaurants, in stadiums and local universities, and in freezers at stores in local neighborhoods.

Small Business is big business in Coweta County and nationwide. Nearly 97 percent of all businesses employ fewer than 100 employees, and these establishments account for 54 percent of the workforce. Small business accounts for two-thirds of job growth, and small businesses are key contributors to a growing and prosperous economy.

Who will be named our 2018 Small Business of the Year?

Presented by SouthTowne Motors and UBS Financial Services, Inc., this year’s Small Business of the Year Awards are coming up on August 29, 2018 at The Newnan Centre, and we can hardly wait for the luncheon honoring this year's nominees! These awards pay tribute to the strength of Coweta’s small businesses and will recognize one of our community’s small businesses as the outstanding Small Business of the Year at the awards ceremony luncheon.

The Chamber’s Top 10 Finalists for the 2018 awards are Cleaning With a Cause, Newnan; Dirt1X, Sharpsburg; Fine Lines Art & Framing, Newnan; Goldens on the Square, Newnan; J&M Pool Services, LLC, Senoia; Knox Pest Control Inc., Newnan; Mid-Georgia Garage Doors, Inc., Newnan; Monster Tree Service, Newnan; Moto-Tec-it.com, Newnan; and The Lighting Studio, Senoia.

The 2018 Honorable Mention Award Winners are Alfa Insurance, Sharpsburg; Aquanaut Plumbing Services, Senoia; At Home Assistants, Newnan; Cycle City Powersports, Newnan; Digital Collective, Fayetteville; Popped! Gourmet Popcorn and Fun Treats, Newnan; and Tim Stout & Associates, Senoia.

New this year, the Small Business Awards will also include the presentation of the first Legacy Award, an award that will recognize a longtime Coweta County business that is known for its contributions to the local economy. These nominees include Lindsey’s Inc. Realtors, Murphey Florist, McKoon Funeral Home, Crain Oil Company and Lee-King Pharmacy.

The Small Business of the Year Award winners will be announced on August 29, 2018, during the Small Business of the Year Awards and Celebration, set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Newnan Centre, 1515 Lower Fayetteville Road, Newnan. Tickets for the event are $35 for Chamber members and guests, $50 for non-members, and are available at the Newnan-Coweta Chamber or online at newnancowetachamber.org or by calling 770.253.2270.

Thank you, Small Business of the Year sponsors!

It's less than two weeks till the 2018 Small Business of the Year Awards, and we're looking forward to having one of our best-ever awards ceremonies this year! We'll hear from entrepreneur Nick Carse of King of Pops, we'll present the 2018 Small Business of the Year winners, and we'll announce the recipient of our first-ever Legacy Award!

It takes a lot of support to make an event like this successful, so today, we'd like to give a nod to this year's sponsors, including our Presenting Sponsors, SouthTowne Motors and UBS Financial Services, Inc., as well as all the other terrific sponsors included here. Without their enthusiasm and support for the Small Business of the Year Awards, this event wouldn't be possible, so thank you, sponsors!

Thank you, Legacy Sponsors!

Thank you, Sustaining Sponsors!

Thank you, Supporting Sponsors!

Thank you, 123 Throwback Sign Sponsors!

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber will host our 2018 Small Business of the Year Awards on August 29, 2018 at The Newnan Centre, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets for the event are $35 for Chamber members and guests, $50 for non-members, and are available at the Newnan-Coweta Chamber or online at newnancowetachamber.org or by calling 770.253.2270.

Legacy Award debuts at this year's SBOTY ceremony!

As a new feature of this year’s Small Business of the Year Awards coming up on August 29, 2018, the Newnan-Coweta Chamber will present its first Legacy Award, and the nominees are Crain Oil, Lindsey’s, McKoon Funeral Home and Lee-King. This award will recognize a longtime Coweta County business that is known for its contributions to the local economy.

Crain Oil Company, Inc. is a full service petroleum marketer located in Coweta County since 1954. This family owned and operated business is one that offers a full range of products and services related to the petroleum business. Crain Oil carries a full line of commercial and industrial lubricants as well as gasolines, low-sulfur and high-sulfur diesel fuels, and methanol. They also carry the Phillips 66 and Sunoco line of racing fuels. Crain Oil flies the Phillips 66 and Texaco brands at convenience stores located throughout Metro Atlanta and surrounding areas.

Lindsey’s Inc. Realtors has been in business in Newnan since 1948 and is currently celebrating its 70th anniversary. The company’s founder, Lindsey Barron, and sons, Frank and Chip, are all past presidents or chairmen of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber. Lindsey Barron is believed to have been a charter member, and Lindsey’s has been a member every year since the Chamber began. Also, Frank Barron was president when the Chamber raised the money and built its new building on Bullsboro Drive.

McKoon Funeral Home has its beginnings in1907, when J. U. McKoon opened a funeral home in Luthersville. In 1918, McKoon relocated the business to Newnan to be closer to the majority of his clients' families. The Depression caused Newnan's Cuttino family to lose their historic 1875 home, and in 1937, Mr. McKoon purchased the residence from Newnan Savings Bank and moved the funeral home to its current location. After McKoon's death, his son Robert B. McKoon became the second generation to own and operate the funeral home. He sold the funeral home to Terry Daviston in 1986, and today McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory is family owned and operated by the father-and-son team of Terry and John Daviston.

Lee-King and Lee-Goodrum Pharmacies are Newnan’s neighborhood pharmacy providers. Since 1907, they have provided the community with excellent care, discounted prescription medications, and a host of other services, all inspired by their love for the community they serve. As family owned and operated pharmacies, they are staffed by excellent pharmacists who call the Newnan area home, serving the people they call friends, family and neighbors. With three locations in Newnan, Lee-King and Lee-Goodrum provide convenient, personalized and exceptionally fast pharmacy services. Their mission is to offer top-of-the-line patient care in a hometown atmosphere.

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber will host its 2018 Small Business of the Year Awards, presented by SouthTowne Motors and UBS Financial Services, Inc., on August 29, 2018 at The Newnan Centre, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets for the event are $35 for Chamber members and guests, $50 for non-members, and are available at the Newnan-Coweta Chamber or online at newnancowetachamber.org or by calling 770.253.2270.

Come hear the 'King of Pops' story at Aug. 29 SBOTY Awards

King of Pops can be found all across the Southeast with their famous pushcarts and rainbow umbrellas, in “poptails” at bars and restaurants, in stadiums and local universities, and in freezers at stores in local neighborhoods. And if you want to be inspired by a fascinating tale of entrepreneurial success, come hear the King of Pops story firsthand at our 2018 Small Business of the Year Awards on August 29!

King of Pops started with a single pushcart on an Atlanta street corner. Today, the company’s pushcarts and iconic rainbow umbrellas are recognized all across the South for their tasty ice pops made with quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations. Nick Carse, a co-founder of the company, will share the King of Pops success story when he comes to Newnan this month as keynote speaker for our 2018 Small Business of the Year Awards.

Presented by SouthTowne Motors and UBS Financial Services, Inc., this year’s Small Business of the Year Awards are set for August 29, 2018 at The Newnan Centre. These awards pay tribute to the strength of Coweta’s small businesses and will recognize one of our community’s small businesses as the outstanding Small Business of the Year at the awards ceremony luncheon.

The Small Business of the Year Award winners will be announced on August 29, 2018, during the Small Business of the Year Awards and Celebration, set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Newnan Centre, 1515 Lower Fayetteville Road, Newnan. Tickets for the event are $35 for Chamber members and guests, $50 for non-members, and are available at the Newnan-Coweta Chamber or online at newnancowetachamber.org or by calling 770.253.2270.

The Chamber’s Top 10 Finalists for the 2018 awards are Cleaning With a Cause, Newnan; Dirt1X, Sharpsburg; Fine Lines Art & Framing, Newnan; Goldens on the Square, Newnan; J&M Pool Services, LLC, Senoia; Knox Pest Control Inc., Newnan; Mid-Georgia Garage Doors, Inc., Newnan;Monster Tree Service, Newnan; Moto-Tec-it.com, Newnan; and The Lighting Studio, Senoia.

The 2018 Honorable Mention Award Winners are Alfa Insurance, Sharpsburg; Aquanaut Plumbing Services, Senoia; At Home Assistants, Newnan; Cycle City Powersports, Newnan; Digital Collective, Fayetteville; Popped! Gourmet Popcorn and Fun Treats, Newnan; and Tim Stout & Associates, Senoia.

New this year, the Small Business Awards will also include the presentation of the first Legacy Award, an award that will recognize a longtime Coweta County business that is known for its contributions to the local economy.

King of Pops co-founder to speak at Small Business of the Year Awards

Our Small Business of the Year sponsors, SouthTowne Motors and UBS Financial Services, Inc., and finalists get to sample some of the delicious King of Pops popsicles!

King of Pops started with a single pushcart on an Atlanta street corner. Today, the company’s pushcarts and iconic rainbow umbrellas are recognized all across the South for their tasty ice pops made with quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations. Nick Carse, a co-founder of the company, will share the King of Pops success story when he comes to Newnan this August as keynote speaker for the Newnan-Coweta Chamber’s 2018 Small Business of the Year Awards.

Presented by SouthTowne Motors and UBS Financial Services, Inc., this year’s Small Business of the Year Awards are set for August 29, 2018 at The Newnan Centre. These awards pay tribute to the strength of Coweta’s small businesses and will recognize one of our community’s small businesses as the outstanding Small Business of the Year at the awards ceremony luncheon.

King of Pops co-founder Nick Carse is a true renaissance man playing the part of entrepreneur. He could start his day in a difficult negotiation with a company 100 times the size of King of Pops, quickly rewire an outlet at headquarters, and then ride his bike home to work in his garden. He’s a tireless worker, has really long hair, and is the engine that makes sure things continue to progress.

According to the company, there was never really a plan for King of Pops. It started as a conversation that three brothers were having on an epic trip through Central America. Over the years, that conversation turned into a dream, and when the youngest of the three, Steven, was laid off from his corporate job during the Great Recession, that dream became a reality. A few months later, Steven’s brother Nick left his job as a lawyer to become the second employee. The brothers went from layoffs and courtrooms to making people happy. The sharp contrast helped them realize how precious each day really is.

King of Pops can be found all across the Southeast with their famous pushcarts and rainbow umbrellas, in “poptails” at bars and restaurants, in stadiums and local universities, and in freezers at stores in local neighborhoods.

The Small Business of the Year Award winners will be announced on August 29, 2018, during the Small Business of the Year Awards and Celebration, set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Newnan Centre, 1515 Lower Fayetteville Road, Newnan. Tickets for the event are $35 for Chamber members and guests, $50 for non-members, and are available at the Newnan-Coweta Chamber or online at newnancowetachamber.orgor by calling 770.253.2270.

The Chamber’s Top 10 Finalists for the 2018 awards are Cleaning With a Cause, Newnan;Dirt1X, Sharpsburg; Fine Lines Art & Framing, Newnan; Goldens on the Square, Newnan; J&M Pool Services, LLC, Senoia; Knox Pest Control Inc., Newnan; Mid-Georgia Garage Doors, Inc., Newnan;Monster Tree Service, Newnan; Moto-Tec-it.com, Newnan; and The Lighting Studio, Senoia.

The 2018 Honorable Mention Award Winners are Alfa Insurance, Sharpsburg; Aquanaut Plumbing Services, Senoia; At Home Assistants, Newnan; Cycle City Powersports, Newnan; Digital Collective, Fayetteville; Popped! Gourmet Popcorn and Fun Treats, Newnan; and Tim Stout & Associates, Senoia.

New this year, the Small Business Awards will also include the presentation of the first Legacy Award, an award that will recognize a longtime Coweta County business that is known for its contributions to the local economy.

Small Business of the Year finalists announced!

Congratulations to this year's nominees for the 2018 Small Business of the Year Awards presented by SouthTowne Motors and UBS Financial Services, Inc.! They are:

Cleaning With a Cause, Newnan

This company’s goal is to not only be the best cleaning service a customer has ever used but also to help feed local residents who are hungry, a cause that is dear to them.

Dirt1X, Sharpsburg

Dirt1x stands for “do it right the first time,” and Ellie White-Stevens, Creative Director and Marketing Guru, has over sixteen years experience in advertising, sales, marketing and corporate communications.

Fine Lines Art & Framing, Newnan

Fine Lines Art & Framing is a specialty custom frame shop that specializes in using all archival and conservation materials and techniques. The staff is trained in the proper handling of any item or project, no matter how complex or detailed.

Goldens on the Square, Newnan

At Goldens on the Square Restaurant, the menu rotates daily so customers can enjoy an old favorite or find a new one. They also create catering menus based on a client’s needs.

J&M Pool Services, LLC, Senoia

While there are no certification requirements for pool servicers or builders in the state of Georgia, the staff at J&M Pools believes educating themselves and their employees is vital to the long-term success of their company, so J&M Pools carries a number of nationwide certifications.

Knox Pest Control Inc., Newnan

Knox Pest Control is one of the largest pest control companies in the southeast, serving Georgia, Alabama and North Florida, South Carolina, and Mississippi.

Mid-Georgia Garage Doors, Inc., Newnan

Mid-Georgia Garage Doors is a group of dependable professionals who have the experience to install any type of door at someone’s home—on time. They offer top brand-name garage doors from such companies as C.H.I., Amarr, Clopay and Wayne Dalton.

Monster Tree Service, Newnan

When people all over the U.S. need trees maintained or removed safely, they call Monster Tree Service, whose team is committed to healthy trees and satisfied customers. Professional arborists, they provide a service that benefits both the customers and the environment.

Moto-Tec-it.com, Newnan

Moto-Tec-it.com provides motorcycle wash and shine products specifically formulated for motorcycles. The product line includes waterless and conventional wash, detailing and specific solution products.

The Lighting Studio, Senoia

The phrase "Small Town Charm Meets Big City Design" is Susan Erwin's story in a nutshell. Susan was one of the first to receive the prestigious "Lighting Certified" designation from the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions.

Honorable Mentions

Alfa Insurance, Sharpsburg; Aquanaut Plumbing Services, Senoia; At Home Assistants, Newnan; Cycle City Powersports, Newnan; Digital Collective, Fayetteville; Popped! Gourmet Popcorn and Fun Treats, Newnan; and Tim Stout & Associates, Senoia.

Winners will be named on August 29, 2018, during ceremonies at The Newnan Centre. Click here to RSVP now!