Prince Automotive Group, with locations in Tifton, Valdosta, Douglas and Albany, was honored on January 26, when the UGA Alumni Association announced the rankings of the 2013 Bulldog 100: Fastest Growing Bulldog Businesses at a celebration in Atlanta.  

Prince Automotive helmed by 1964 and 1993 UGA graduates John B. Prince III and John B. Prince IV (Jay), ranks as this year’s 51st fastest growing Bulldog business.  The firm specializes in automotive sales and service. 

“Receiving this award one time is quite an accomplishment but being honored both in 2012 and 2013 is definitely rewarding. To be recognized on a state and national level is a testament to the dedication of our employees. We are so thankful to them and to our customers,” said John Prince, Owner.  

The Atlanta CPA firm, Warren Averett + GH&I, has annually partnered with the UGA Alumni Association since the inception of the program four years ago to verify the information that was submitted by each nominated company.  Warren Averett + GH&I then ranked the companies based on compounded annual growth rate.

Nominations were collected between January and September 2012.  To be considered for the program, an organization must have been in business for at least five years, had revenues of $100,000 or more for the calendar year 2009, and be owned or operated by a former UGA student who owns at least 50% of company or be the CEO, President or Managing Partner. The program recognizes the fastest-growing businesses regardless of size by focusing on a three-year growth rate average.

More than 700 nominations were submitted for this year’s program.  The class of 2013 includes companies ranging in all sizes and services, including agriculture, aircraft parts manufacturing, insurance, robotics, healthcare, and industrial gases, just to name a few.   Several different areas of the country are represented, including companies from as far west as Utah and as far northeast as New Jersey.    

UGA alumni and friends celebrated the 2013 Bulldog 100 honorees at a banquet at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta on January 26, 2013. The evening began with a reception, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony.  Keynote speaker, A.D. “Pete” Correll, chairman of Atlanta Equity Investors and chairman emeritus of Georgia-Pacific Corporation, offered entertaining examples of how his entire experience at the University, both in and out of the classroom, prepared him for the challenges of leading a global company into the 21^st Century.  Then members of the Student Alumni Council led attendees through the highlight of the evening—the release of the final rankings and countdown of the 2013 Bulldog 100.  

Alumni Association Executive Director Deborah Dietzler said the Bulldog 100 celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of UGA graduates. "The annual celebration is our most well-attended event of the year, as the unveiling of the rankings makes for an exciting evening,” Dietzler said.

Nominations for the 2014 Bulldog program will be accepted until May 31, 2013.  For the full listing and rankings of the 2013 honorees, photos of the celebration banquet, and sponsorship information, visit www.alumni.uga.edu/b100.