Georgia Business History Initiative
Sharing the Stories of the Companies that Built Georgia
Each year the Georgia Historical Society selects iconic companies in our state to be honored through the Georgia Business History Initiative. By showcasing these companies, GHS seeks to teach Georgia students, citizens, and tourists alike about the pivotal role of Georgia’s leading businesses in the economic, cultural, and social development of Georgia and the United States.
Historical Markers
Each honoree receives a historical marker that tells the story of that company’s contribution to the development of our state and nation. This executive summary of the company history is erected at a site of historical significance to the company, and is also available online through the award-winning GHS Historical Marker website.
GHS invites you to further explore the Georgia Historical Marker Program by following this link.
Educator Resources
The Georgia Business History Initiative also includes the development of educational materials about each honoree to enrich student understanding of the businesses that built Georgia. These resources can include a company profile, case study, and classroom activities correlated to state and national performance standards prepared by the GHS education staff and made available for classroom use through our extensive statewide network of teachers and education partners.
For teacher resources, please follow this link.
Honorees
The following is a list of Georgia Business History Initiatives honorees (to date).
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Byrd Cookie Company
- CNN
- Chick-fil-A
- Citizens Trust Bank
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Colonial Group
- Delta Air Lines
- Dulany Industries
- Fieldale Farms
- Genuine Parts Company
- Georgia Chamber of Commerce
- Georgia Lottery Corporation
- Georgia Ports Authority
- Georgia Power
- Georgia World Congress Center Authority
- Georgia-Pacific
- Grady Health System
- Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
- H.J. Russell & Company
- Metro Atlanta Chamber
- Southern Company
- SunTrust
- Synovus
- TSYS
- United Distributors
- Waffle House
Benefits
Benefits vary according to level but may include:
- Georgia Historical Marker
- Original Educational Resources incorporating state and national performance standards
- Announcement in Georgia History Today, the magazine of the Georgia Historical Society
Learn more about the Business History Initiative
For more information about Honoree benefits in the Georgia Business History Initiative, please call 912.651.2125 ext. 116.