The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Seattle District Office has named Rusty George and De Meyers, owner/principal and principal, respectively, of Rusty George Creative, a graphic design and advertising agency located in downtown Tacoma, as the 2008 Washington State Small Business Persons of the Year, according to a statement released today.
George began his business in 1997, operating as a freelance designer. Meyers joined the company in 2000 as George’s first employee. Today, the company has 15 employees, and has received numerous ‘Top Places to Work’ and ‘Fastest Growing Company’ awards. It has also posted average sales growth of 16 percent annually for the past five years, overall growth in number of employees, increase in average sales per client from $7,000 to $15,000 per year, and increase of prominent high profile public and private clients.
The company is recognized for being a stable growth company and a contributing member to its community. It has provided pro bono and discounted services to local non-profits for almost a decade. Last year, the company introduced a new grant process to manage its giving more strategically. Local non-profits apply for pro bono graphic services in the range of $10,000 to $25,000. This year alone, The Rusty George Creative Grants will give a total of $75,000 to three local organizations.
An independent panel of judges selected the winner based on several criteria, including staying power, business growth, increase in employees, response to adversity, innovation, leadership and contributions to the small business community, and evidence of community-oriented projects. As the state winner, Rusty George and De Meyers will be traveling to Washington, DC next month to compete with 53 other winners from across the country for the National Small Business Person of the Year Award.