Photo above courtesy of the Cobb Chamber (by Mooreshots LLC): Arnold Huffman, Owner of Yalo
The Cobb Chamber named Yalo, a 100-percent minority-owned creative agency, as its 2024 Small Business of the Year.
In this article, you will learn:
- About the winner of the Small Business of the Year award
- What companies are on the Top 25 Small Businesses list?
- Who were the winners in other categories?
- About the Cobb Chamber
The award was presented by LOUD Security Systems and the S.A. White Oil Company.
Yalo
According to the press release announcing the award:
For the past 11 years, Yalo has been a 100 percent minority-owned creative agency, delivering branding, digital ecosystems, and omni-channel advertising for its roster of clients. Last year, Yalo was named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list for its 151 percent revenue growth over a three-year period. Over the same time frame, Yalo’s personnel grew by 179 percent as well. By the end of 2023, the agency kept on the path of record growth, adding 12 new clients – its largest increase in net new clients ever. The company’s revenues reached over $10.64 Million, which is a year-over-year increase of 46 percent.
Yalo has a vibe that’s all its own. Drawing inspiration from film, arts, music, and sports, it creates dynamic brands for its clients while delivering unmatched results. Their soulful approach to each client’s brand essence and strategy makes them a standout within their industry.
According to the Yalo website, the company offers a wide range of services geared toward its customers’ brand strategies, from advertising to branding design to social media strategy.
The company’s CEO is Arnold Huffman, and his company bio states:
Leading a 100% minority-owned business, Arnold is passionate about and fully committed to building a diverse agency, in every way possible. He truly believes that diversity will create better marketing for Yalo’s clients, create a better culture for Yalo’s team members, and create better stewardship for Yalo’s local communities.
Yalo will now compete in the state’s small business of the year competition.
Top 25 Small Businesses
The Top 25 Small Businesses selected by the Cobb Chamber were:
| 1885 Grill | Modo Modo Agency |
| 41 South Creative | Operative IQ |
| About You Family Medicine | Peachtree Hearing |
| DeNyse Companies | Perfect Image |
| DynamiX | Play |
| Eclipse Networks | Proda Technology |
| Essayon Progress Management | Riverside EpiCenter |
| Great South Metals | SpeedPro Marietta |
| GreenMellen Media | The Butcher on Whitlock |
| Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery | The Music Studio |
| Instant Imprints | The Veterinary Clinic |
| Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team | Yalo |
| Manay CPA |
Winners in other categories
In addition to the overall winner and the 25 top small businesses, the Chamber gave awards in these categories:
| Small Business Hall of Fame Inductee | CDH Partners |
| Minority-Owned Business of the Year | Perfect Image |
| Woman-Owned Business of the Year | FruiTea Bubbles Café |
| Community Service Excellence Award Winners | 1885 Grill, The Alley Stage |
| 2024 Business to Watch | Wasserman Talent Solutions |
| Next Level of Excellence Award | AquaGuard |
About the Cobb Chamber
The Cobb Chamber, incorporated as the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce, is the largest business organization in the county.
The President and CEO of the Cobb Chamber is Sharon Mason, the Chief Operating Officer is Dana Johnson, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors is Mike Plant of the Atlanta Braves organization..
Projects of the Cobb Chamber include Cobb Executive Women, Cobb Young Professionals, and the Area Councils: Cumberland, East Cobb, Marietta, Northwest Cobb (Acworth, Kennesaw, West Cobb), Smyrna and South Cobb.
On its website the Cobb Chamber promotes itself as follows:
As one of the most influential business advocacy organizations in Georgia and one of the top three chambers in the nation, the Cobb Chamber is dedicated to bringing the community and its leaders together to create jobs and strengthen the economy and quality of life so businesses and the community can achieve more.
Who We Are: We are a community of businesses working together to advance a vibrant economy.
Why We Do It: When businesses thrive, communities flourish.
What We Do (Our Mission): Together, with diverse partnerships, we:
- Attract, recruit and retain jobs.
- Help companies start, grow and prosper.
- Advocate and collaborate to enhance our state’s business climate.
- Connect members to opportunities, new networks, and resources.
- Develop workforce and support education.
- Cultivate current and future leaders.
