Growing from Small Business of the Year in 2014 to now Large Business of the Year is an outstanding achievement shared by the employee-owners, their tremendous customers and their suppliers.
The selection of Large Business of the Year was announced at the annual meeting of the Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at Taylor Estate in May.
The Lewis Chemical Company took this year’s honor, and the award was accepted by the company’s previous owner and several current employee-owners.
Founded by Gregg and Diane Lewis in 2006, the company’s mission statement reflects a belief in hard work and accountability in a culture of safety, establishing strategic, longterm customer and supplier relationships—while pursuing excellence as a model corporate citizen. The company is now LARGE BUSINESSof the Year The Lewis Chemical Company an employee-owned surfactant manufacturer, producing a broad range of Surfactants and Specialty Chemicals.
In 2020, as Covid-19 spread, the company experienced a slow-down in its oil and gas segment but an uptick in its disinfectant and cleaning business. In 2021, when the world economy began cautiously reopening, biocides remained relatively strong, and oil and gas demand started to rebound. Coupled with new product development in automotive care and infrastructure support, these factors contributed to another growth year and the company’s ninth time making the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in America.
“Over the last several years, the company made significant investments to increase production capabilities by adding additional reactors to the plant. As a result, we were prepared for this volume from a capacity standpoint, but we see it ramping up even more,” noted president and CEO Ballard Betz.
Regarding the recognition, Betz said, “The approximately 70 employee-owners are very proud to work in Rome/Floyd, the birthplace of our business and where we will continue to invest and expand. We love this community and are so thankful to our peers at the Chamber of Commerce for naming us Large Business of the Year.”
The company was purchased from the founders in January 2020. The team then committed to a growth plan to triple revenue within five years. They also pledged to become an even stronger corporate citizen to their neighbors and colleagues. Some organizations they partner with include Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley, the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Georgia, the Exchange Club, Family Resource Center, and Cancer Navigators of Rome. Betz continued, “Thanks be to God and a great legacy upon which to build, we’re on track to achieve our financial milestone early, and by virtue of this award, we hope we are demonstrating that “profit” is a good thing. I know the Lewises are proud of how the new ownership has embraced their philosophy of success through service.”
“Over the last several years, the company made significant investments to increase production capabilities by adding additional reactors to the plant. As a result, we were prepared for this volume from a capacity standpoint, but we see it ramping up even more,” noted president and CEO Ballard Betz.
Regarding the recognition, Betz said, “The approximately 70 employee-owners are very proud to work in Rome/Floyd, the birthplace of our business and where we will continue to invest and expand. We love this community and are so thankful to our peers at the Chamber of Commerce for naming us Large Business of the Year.”
“Over the last several years, the company made significant investments to increase production capabilities by adding additional reactors to the plant. As a result, we were prepared for this volume from a capacity standpoint, but we see it ramping up even more,” noted president and CEO Ballard Betz.
Regarding the recognition, Betz said, “The approximately 70 employee-owners are very proud to work in Rome/Floyd, the birthplace of our business and where we will continue to invest and expand. We love this community and are so thankful to our peers at the Chamber of Commerce for naming us Large Business of the Year.”
The company was purchased from the founders in January 2020. The team then committed to a growth plan to triple revenue within five years. They also pledged to become an even stronger corporate citizen to their neighbors and colleagues. Some organizations they partner with include Habitat for Humanity Coosa Valley, the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Georgia, the Exchange Club, Family Resource Center, and Cancer Navigators of Rome. Betz continued, “Thanks be to God and a great legacy upon which to build, we’re on track to achieve our financial milestone early, and by virtue of this award, we hope we are demonstrating that “profit” is a good thing. I know the Lewises are proud of how the new ownership has embraced their philosophy of success through service.”
Growing from Small Business of the Year in 2014 to now Large Business of the Year is an outstanding achievement shared by the employee-owners, their tremendous customers, and their suppliers. “The local business community that has cheered us all the way. We especially appreciate the support of Pam Powers-Smith and the team at the chamber, Missy Kendrick and the team at the Rome Floyd Development Authority, and both the Rome City and the Floyd County Commissions. Their support has been tremendous, and they are co-winners with us of this award.” Betz said.
For more information, visit lewischem.com.
