03/13/2008
CONTACT: David Raynor, 404-876-8516 or Todd Pack, 615-872-5897
Irene Dodge has been an enthusiastic supporter of small business, NFIB
ATLANTA -- The National Federation of Independent Business, the state's leading small business association, has named Irene Dodge its 2008 Small Business Champion in Georgia.
"Irene is a tireless supporter of small business and an active member of NFIB," said David Raynor, state director of NFIB/Georgia. "She's worked hard to build her business, and she's worked hard to make Athens a friendly city for other entrepreneurs and small business owners."
Dodge opened her store, Elements Art Supply on South Milledge Avenue, five years ago, after noticing that many of the customers at the Atlanta art supply store where she worked were making the 75-mile drive from Athens. "That's why I picked Athens to open my store," Dodge said. "I felt there was a market here."
She said, "I've worked in my field for over 30 years, but I've been a small business owner a little over five years, and things are really different from this angle."
As a small business owner, Dodge now contends with complicated issues such as taxes and health benefits. "One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the importance of having good business partnerships," she said. "These partners include my community, my customers, my banker and accountant, my lawyer and NFIB."
Dodge is a member of NFIB/Georgia's Leadership Council, which advises the association on state and federal issues that affect small business owners. She is a board member of the Athens Area Arts Council, the Lyndon House Arts Foundation, the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation and the Athens Arts Association.
Dodge is a founding member of the Arts Development Council of Georgia and volunteers for Special Olympics and Hands on Atlanta. She also was active in Athens' efforts to be designated an "Entrepreneur Friendly" community by the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
"Irene is a very giving person," Raynor said. "She'll do anything and everything she can to help Athens' small business community grow and prosper."
Dodge said being named Small Business Champion was an honor. "I'm really humbled," she said. "I hope I can live up to this."
