Reformation Brewery Named Small Business Rock Star

Sign up for the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter!

---

Woodstock, GA -- The Georgia Department of Economic Development and Georgia Economic Developer’s Association on Tuesday recognized Reformation Brewery as a Small Business Rock Star.

Created in 2013, the program is a joint effort of GEDA and GDEcD and recognizes outstanding, unique businesses that are making an impact across the state.

Companies with up to 50 employees were considered for uniqueness and innovation, as well as for their involvement with their local economic developers and state resource providers. Nominated companies represent a wide variety of fields.

“Cherokee County and Woodstock have been excited to have us, promote us, and include us as part of their story,” said Reformation Brewery CEO and co‐founder Spencer Nix. “The city of Woodstock and Cherokee county have been friends who have stood beside us in our journey, willing to be agile and creative to help us open. The Downtown Development Authority expanded their zone to include us. Downtown Woodstock added us as a stop to their trolley route. Woodstock’s response to our small business was ‘yes’ and ‘let’s make it work.’”

Of the 69 nominations submitted, reviewed and vetted by a panel of judges, four other Georgia companies were also recognized as “Small Business Rock Stars” during the luncheon:

• Vizitech USA (Putnam County)
• D&J Plastics (Quitman County)
• IACThealth (Muscogee County)
• Creature Comforts Brewing Company (Athens‐Clarke County)

Reformation Brewery started off small with a 1-Barrel Brewhouse and grew organically from there, having recently installed the first High Efficiency Brewing System (HEBS) in the state.

Located in Woodstock, Reformation has become a household name and part of the local culture.

“Reformation Brewery is an innovative company and a perfect representation of how vision and entrepreneurial drive lead to success,” said Cherokee Office of Economic Development President Misti Martin. “We are fortunate to have them in Cherokee, both as a thriving small business and a tourist destination.”

Reformation Brewery also recently made Yahoo’s list of 50 Best Breweries Worth Travelling For. A recognition that was proven true by the 12,000 visitors Reformation hosted in its first year of operations.

“Beer tourism is growing and having Reformation Brewery in Woodstock will continue to positively impact our downtown economy,” said Brian Stockton, director of Woodstock Office of Economic Development & Downtown Development Authority.

Cherokee is now home to two Small Business Rock Stars. In 2013, Canton based FactoryMation received the honor.

GDEcD’s small business efforts and outreach are directed by Mary Ellen McClanahan, Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business. To access more information about these programs and more visit www.georgia.org/rockstars or www.georgia.org/smallbusinessweek.

---

Image via Reformation Brewery