Kennesaw Business Named U.S. Chamber Blue Ribbon Award Winner

Kennesaw-based Velociteach, Cobb's 2012 Small Business of the Year, is one of four Georgia small businesses that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today named Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners.

The award is given to companies that demonstrate excellent business practices in strategy, employee development, community involvement, customer service and other areas.

Founded in 2002, Velociteach specializes in project management certification through on-site and e-learning curriculum. The company, which serves more than 30,000 customers, has provided services for clients such as eBay, Sirius XM, Chick-fil-A and Microsoft. In 2011, Velociteach contributed nearly 700 hours and over $24,000 in donations to local charities, the release said.

“The Blue Ribbon Award winners show that, even facing uncertainty and economic challenges, small businesses can grow and succeed,” said Thomas J. Donohue, the president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “They are America’s economic engine, driving growth and job creation all across this country.”

As Blue Ribbon winners, Velociteach and 99 other companies from across the country are eligible for the Community Excellence Award, which will be decided through online public voting. The voting period begins Feb. 8 and ends Feb. 22.

The 100 winners will also be honored at America’s Small Business Summit 2013, which will be held from April 29 through May 1 in Washington, D.C.

Seven of the Blue Ribbon recipients will be announced as award finalists on Feb. 15, and one will be named the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year during the summit in April. The winner will be presented with a $10,000 cash prize from the U.S. Chamber.

Other Georgia Blue Ribbon winners include:

• Bojangles' - Acorn Food Group LLC, Jasper
• LaFayette Physical Therapy, LaFayette
• On the Green Salon and Day Spa, St. Marys