The Bank of LaFayette Named Walker County Small Business Of The Year

  • Tuesday, February 3, 2015

The Walker County Chamber of Commerce honored the top three recipients of the 2014 Small Business of the Year Award at the Walker County Civic Center during the 2015 Annual Membership Dinner.  

During the event The Bank of LaFayette was named the winner of the 2014 Small Business of the Year Award. "The Bank of LaFayette was established in 1899 and prides itself in being a community bank.  It is a bank that is rich in Walker County history. A major focus of the bank is community involvement.

 Schools, charities, organizations, city and county functions, religious and civic groups benefit from the bank’s generous donations.  As we went down the list of those in the community that benefit from the donations and also personal assistance to others from the bank employees, we found that they touch most every entity in our community.  There were just too many to name tonight," county officials said.  "Their Chamber participation includes but is certainly not limited to: Patron Sponsorship in the Chamber, Walker County Leadership Class participants, donations to and working at the Walker County Senior Citizen Day. They have continuously served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and the Ambassadors Committee."

Jackson Realty was named the first runner up. Rex and Marilyn Jackson started the company in 1978, Marilyn, at 79 years of age is still involved.  Daughter Lisa Jackson Heyer and her husband took over in 1995. Their grandson joined in 2014, starting a third generation.  They have served Walker County for over 36 years. They originally operated in the LaFayette Square for 30 years and now on Hwy. 27 since 2007.  The company is involved with The Greater Association of Realtors, Chattanooga MLS,Georgia MLS, National Association of Realtors, Georgia Association of Realtors,National Relocation Member, Walker County Chamber of Commerce, Care Mission and Family Crisis Center.

In 1978, they sold an average of 25 homes. They now average selling over 200 homes a year. "Their mission is about providing a service to the community with a personal dedication to everyone served," county officials said. "Their motto is, 'We will continue to work with the tools we take pride in…knowledge of the market, integrity, honesty, and personal and professional service.'"

Express Employment Professionals was named second runner up. "Their Mission is to professionally market and provide quality human resource solutions through an international franchising network that profits their associates, customers, franchisees, corporate staff, stockholders, and communities in which they conduct business.  They are committed to help as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people," county officials said.  Express Employment Professionals’ staff has been involved in Optimist Club, Reindeer Run, Jordan Queen Memorial Golf Tournament, St. Jude Walk, and the LaFayette Golf Tournament.  The organization states their purpose is to help people succeed.  

P. R. Cook, 2014 co-chair of the Business and Industry Committee, announced the winners acknowledging the true heroes of Walker County’s local economy, small business owners.  "They provide jobs, take risks, invest money and make our community a better place to live and work," he said.

The Small Business of the Year recipients are selected by the Chamber Board of Directors after going through a nominating process designed by the Business and Industry Committee.  The recipients must be members of the Chamber in Good Standing as of Nov. 12, 2014 with a minimum of one full year in business.

Mr. Cook stated during his speech, “We thank each of you for your leadership in showing us how any business, large or small, can make a contribution to its community and economy.”

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