The Georgia Economic Developers Association and the Georgia Department of Economic Development recognized four Georgia businesses as the 2017 Small Business Rock Stars. 

More than 130 businesses were nominated, with Atlanta Movie Tours, Atlas Turf International, Ecolink Inc, and Sweet Grass Dairy taking home the awards. In order to qualify a business must employ under 100 people, be based in Georgia, and be a for-profit enterprise. These companies have shown increases in revenue, sales, exporting, product lines, jobs and economic impact.

Atlanta Movie Tours has become one of the preeminent tour companies in Georgia, having run more than 800 tours in 2016 alone. Atlanta Movie Tours is a perfect example of the growth and sustainability of the film industry in the state. The Fulton County business has found a niche among the booming Georgia film and TV industry. 

Atlas Turf International is a leader in growing and exporting natural turf around the world. Atlas Turf's grass has been used from Dubai to the Maldives and many places in between. The Troup County business is as the forefront of the turf industry. 

Ecolink Inc has become a leader in the manufacturing and cleaning process by producing better cleaning chemicals for manufacruting and other industries. With a goal of creating leaner, sustainable cleaning chemicals, the DeKalb County business excels in marketing its products and services, having won multiple marketing awards. 

Sweet Grass Dairy is one the most unique food providers in the state. The Thomasville, Georgia farm makes artisanal cheeses by hand, using free-range cows. These cows roam "free" and eat on Georgia grass 365 days a year, and are never kept in a barn. 

“Georgia’s more than 650,000 small businesses have a huge impact in every community in our state,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “These companies keep our economy thriving, and help Georgia maintain its status at the No. 1 state in the nation in which to do business. This is an incredible opportunity to put a spotlight on Georgia’s small businesses and highlight some of our fastest growing companies. It is an honor to congratulate this year’s winners for their hard work and dedication.”