Coles College of Business Celebrates Family Run Businesses in Georgia

The Yancey Bros. Co., based in Austell, has recently been named the Georgia Family Business of the Year by the Cox Family Enterprise Center at Kennesaw State University’s Coles College of Business.

Officially in its 24th year, the Georgia Family Business of the Year Award is an annual ceremony honoring the family businesses that have helped to make Georgia strong. The event is hosted by the Cox Family Enterprise Center, an organization which honors the importance of family businesses while acknowledging the unique challenges they face. Programs at the Cox Family Enterprise Center aim to support family businesses through educational programs, professional services, research within the industry and networking events.

Award winners share a variety of qualities sought by the hosts, such as a strong connection between family and business, proven business success, involvement across a multitude of generations, and a proven record of innovative business strategy. The winners are chosen each year by a team from the Center, which is led by Associate Professor and Executive Director, Dr. Gaia Marchisio, and professor and Scholar Chair of Family Business, Dr. Joseph Astrachan.

The award was accepted this year by Yancey’s CEO and chairman of the board, Jim Stephenson, alongside president and COO Trey Googe. The company, which was founded in 1914 by brothers Goodloe and Earle Yancey, has been under family leadership now for three generations. Yancey Bros, Co. recently celebrated its Centennial anniversary in 2014. The company offers Caterpillar and Blue Bird products and service throughout the state of Georgia, covering 25 facilities in 19 communities.

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