Rocket IT’s Gwinnett Chamber Awards & Nominations From 2015 To Today
Rocket IT has been a long-time member of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce including membership in the Chairman's Club since 2007. Since 2015, our company and different members of the staff have been honored and awarded across a variety of categories.
Explore these notable milestones in our journey with the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce in the list below. Click each item to open them up and learn more about each instance.
Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Honors & Awards
2020: Rocket IT Founder & CEO to Be Honored at Gwinnett Chamber’s 2020 Annual Dinner
This honor is awarded to those individuals who over the years, continue to go above and beyond the call to serve their community and its inhabitants. The 2019 recipients include, Matt Hyatt, Rocket IT; Dr. Gregory B. Levett, Sr., Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory; Pedro Marin, State Representative HD96; Dennis & Colleen Rouse, Victory Church; and Lisa Zaken, Leadership Gwinnett.
“One of the great things about running your own company is that you can design it to be whatever you want,” said Rocket IT Founder and CEO, Matt Hyatt. “As a younger man, I learned that it felt great to help someone else; and by doing so, I found myself capable of creating small differences in the lives of others. I quickly grew to like this feeling, and have since made that experience the core focus of Rocket IT – to help people thrive. Whether it’s a member of our team, a customer, or someone we might interact with in our community, we attempt to assist every person we encounter. Over time, I suppose that’s added up to a lot, but I can tell you that I have received more kindness and generosity in this community than I could ever hope to return. Helping people thrive isn’t just our purpose at Rocket IT, it’s part of the culture in this community, and I’m grateful to play a small role in that.”
In his role as Vice Chair of Entrepreneurship within the Executive Board of the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce, Hyatt is determined to help expand Gwinnett County’s economic growth. Through this role, and others like it, Hyatt has gained valuable insight, which he continuously shares through initiatives such as GiANT X-Core, Small Business Workshops, and the GOVT peer group. In addition to facilitating Gwinnett’s economic growth, Hyatt passionately supports the area’s public education system; serving on the Gwinnett County Public School System’s Superintendent’s Business Leaders Council. Furthermore, understanding the crucial role nonprofit organizations play in Gwinnett County’s success, Hyatt ensures Rocket IT regularly contributes to the meaningful outreach initiatives of organizations like Leadership Gwinnett, Eagle Ranch and Annandale Village.
Rocket IT is the IT partner of choice for Gwinnett County organizations, providing the strategy, security and support needed to thrive. By aiding a client’s leadership team with the strategic foresight necessary to align technology investment and business goals, organizations can work from a shared vision to increase efficiency, decrease risk, and increase revenue. In recognition for these efforts and more, Rocket IT has received multiple awards over its 25 years of operation; including Partnership Gwinnett’s Innovation Award and a spot on the Inc 5000 list.
The Annual Dinner will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, January 31, at the Infinite Energy Forum. For more information on ticket pricing and reservation packages, visit http://gwinnettannualdinner.com/.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Swinson | 770.441.2520 ext. 732 | cswinson@rocketit.com
PROGRAM CONTACT
Alicia Krogh | 770.232.8809 | akrogh@gwinnettchamber.org
2019: Rocket IT Recognized as Small Business Award Finalist
“Creating a culture of human connection and accountability is key to delivering great IT security and support experiences,” said Rocket IT Founder and CEO, Matt Hyatt. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and excited to participate alongside many other terrific organizations in the Small Business Awards program.”
Along with honoring finalists in the aforementioned categories, designations will be given in the following areas.
- Advocate Award
- Community Contributor Award
- Culture Creator Award
- Emerging Entrepreneur Award
- Founder Award
- Launch Award
- Minority-Owned/Women-Owned Small Business Award
- Small Business Award
- Support System Award
“At the Gwinnett Chamber, we believe small business is big business,” said Nick Masino, President & CEO, Gwinnett Chamber, and Partnership Gwinnett. “We understand that entrepreneurs are the engines of our economy and we are excited to celebrate their contributions.”
The awards ceremony will be held Wednesday, October 23 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Infinite Energy Forum. For more information, visit GwinnettChamber.org/Small-Business-Awards.
Rocket IT is the IT partner of choice for Gwinnett County organizations, providing both the strategy and support they need to thrive. By providing a client’s leadership team with the strategic foresight necessary for them to align technology investment with business goals, they can work from a shared vision, which increases efficiency, decreases risk, and increases revenue. Rocket IT is the recipient of multiple awards, such as Partnership Gwinnett’s Innovation Award and a spot on the Inc 5000.
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Media Contact
Chris Swinson | 770.441.2520 ext. 732 | CSwinson@RocketIT.com
Gwinnett Chamber Program Contact
Cally D’Angelo | 678.957.4958 | CDAngelo@GwinnettChamber.org
2019: Rocket IT Designated as Finalist in Gwinnett Chamber IMPACT Regional Business Awards
Hosted by the Gwinnett Chamber, the program pays tribute to premier organizations in top industries that are driving economic development and job creation, while enhancing our quality of life.
“Since the organization’s foundation in 1995, Rocket IT has been fortunate to call Gwinnett County home,” said Rocket IT Founder and CEO, Matt Hyatt. “Over those 24 years, this community has experienced a tremendous amount of growth, and I am truly honored to continue playing a role in the area’s economic development.”
While IMPACT award recipients are selected from various industry sectors, such as education, healthcare, and hospitality, Rocket IT has been chosen as a finalist for the Information Technology category of the award. The winner of this division is chosen based upon their ability to exhibit greatness in IT innovation and implementation.
Once winners from each of the award’s unique areas are selected, one final recipient will be chosen to receive the Overall IMPACT Regional Business Award.
“Now in its fifth year, the program has provided exposure to more than 1,500 best-in-class businesses. Bringing together leaders across these important industries is another example of how the Gwinnett Chamber can fulfill its mission to serve as a community forum,” said Dr. Dan Kaufman, president & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber.
The awards ceremony will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the Infinite Energy Forum. For more information, visit ImpactBusinessAwards.com.
Rocket IT is the IT partner of choice for Gwinnett County organizations, providing both the strategy and support they need to thrive. By providing a client’s leadership team with the strategic foresight necessary for them to align technology investment with business goals, they can work from a shared vision, which increases efficiency, decreases risk, and increases revenue. Rocket IT is the recipient of multiple awards, such as Partnership Gwinnett’s Innovation Award and a spot on the Inc 5000.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Swinson | 770.441.2520 ext. 732 | CSwinson@RocketIT.com
PROGRAM CONTACT
Cally D’Angelo | 678.957.4958 | CDAngelo@GwinnettChamber.org
2019: Rocket IT Nominated for Gwinnett Chamber’s 2019 IMPACT Regional Business Awards
Reflective of Gwinnett and metro Atlanta, the program pays tribute to premier organizations in top industries that are driving economic development and job creation, while enhancing our quality of life.
“Through human connections, passionate stewardship, constant innovation, and a dedicated staff, Rocket IT strives to provide local businesses with impactful IT services,” said Rocket IT Founder and CEO, Matt Hyatt. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this ever-growing community and consider this nomination a tremendous honor.”
While nominees are selected from various industry sectors, Rocket IT has been nominated under the award’s information technology category.
Once winners from each of the award’s categories are selected, one final recipient will be chosen to receive the Overall IMPACT Regional Business Award.
“Now in its fifth year, the program has provided exposure to more than 1,500 best-in-class businesses. Bringing together leaders across these important industries is another example of how the Gwinnett Chamber can fulfill its mission to serve as a community forum,” said Dr. Dan Kaufman, president & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber.
The awards ceremony will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the Infinite Energy Forum. For more information, visit ImpactBusinessAwards.com.
Rocket IT is the IT partner of choice for Gwinnett County organizations, providing both the strategy and support they need to thrive. By providing a client’s leadership team with the strategic foresight necessary for them to align technology investment with business goals, they can work from a shared vision, which increases efficiency, decreases risk, and increases revenue. Rocket IT is the recipient of multiple awards, such as Partnership Gwinnett’s Innovation Award and a spot on the Inc 5000.
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2018: Abbey Johnson of Rocket IT Nominated for Gwinnett Chamber Moxie Awards
“Abbey Johnson is an integral and dynamic member of our executive leadership team,” said Matt Hyatt, Rocket IT’s Founder and CEO. “Since joining Rocket IT in 2013 she has played a pivotal role in advancing our finance, HR, and strategic business objectives. We are very pleased to have her on our team and whole-heartedly support her nomination for the 2018 Moxie Awards.”
The Moxie Awards will recognize individuals and organizations alike. Organizational awards will highlight companies that support the advancement of women, as well as those that are women-led. In addition, individual awards will honor those who are trailblazers in a male-dominated field, Gwinnett County champions, emerging leaders, professionals who are at the peak of their career and those who are generous with their time, talent or resources.
Designations will be given for the following awards.
- Enlightened Employer Award
- Greater Good Award
- Influence Award
- On the Rise Award
- Outstanding Organization Award
- Moxie Award
- Pay It Forward Award
“We are fortunate to have such a standout network of women in Gwinnett,” said Alicia Krogh, Vice President of Programs & Events at the Gwinnett Chamber. “This new program will give the Gwinnett Chamber an opportunity to thank and pay tribute to those who do so much for our community.”
The awards ceremony will conclude a two-part program on November 27. It will begin with a panel, featuring Kim Guthrie, president of Cox Media Group, Wendy Johnson, president of Dale Carnegie of Georgia, and Jenny Pruitt, CEO & founder of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. The event will take place at the Infinite Energy Forum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit GwinnettMoxieAwards.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Abbey Johnson | 770.441.2520 ext. 730 | AJohnson@rocketit.com
PROGRAM CONTACT
Cally D’Angelo | 678.957.4958 | CDAngelo@GwinnettChamber.org
Rocket IT is the IT partner of choice for Gwinnett County organizations, providing both the strategy and support they need to thrive. Our approach begins with a plan that aligns technology investment with business value. Then, we provide Ideal IT support that focuses on keeping our clients and their teams safe, happy, and productive – which has been recognized with Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s Overall Regional Impact Business Award, garnered us a place on the Inc. 5000 three years in a row, and resulted in a 23-year track record of helping people thrive.
2017: Rocket IT Named Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Club Business of the Month
“Rocket IT is named November 2017 Chairman’s Club Business of the month due to its Chamber involvement, superior customer service, and outstanding community involvement,” said Vince DeSilva, Gwinnett Chamber Senior Vice President of Membership Services.
This prestigious recognition is based on monthly nominations from other Chairman’s Club members and the company’s qualifications in those three areas. The staff of the Gwinnett Chamber then selects from the nominations.
“We are proud of the team we have and thankful to receive this honor from the Gwinnett Chamber,” said Ryan Bonilla, Rocket IT’s Business Development Manager. “We’ve been active members for many years now, and the value we get from this community is immeasurable.”
This acknowledgment is the eighth recognition in 2017 Rocket IT has received for their growth, innovation, status, and community involvement.
Rocket IT is the IT partner of choice for Gwinnett County organizations, providing both the strategy and support they need to thrive. By providing a client’s leadership team with the strategic foresight necessary for them to align technology investment with business goals, they can work from a shared vision, which increases efficiency, decreases risk, and increases revenue. Rocket IT is the recipient of multiple awards, such as Partnership Gwinnett’s Innovation Award and a spot on the Inc 5000.
For a list of Rocket IT’s additional awards, visit Rocket IT’s Newsroom.
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2017: Rocket IT Named Overall Winner at Gwinnett Chamber IMPACT Regional Business Awards
“There’s one word I have for being recognized with this award, and that’s ‘grateful,’” says Matt Hyatt, Rocket IT Founder, and CEO. “I am extremely grateful for the support and recognition of our clients, our partners, and our community. This is a huge honor, and thank you to everyone for recognizing our efforts to change the way people think about outsourced IT.”
Held on May 10 at the Infinite Energy Forum, the program pays tribute to premier organizations in top industries that are driving economic development and job creation, while enhancing our quality of life. From more than 500 nominations, 125 finalist companies, across nine industry categories were recognized.
“The winners of the IMPACT Awards represent the creativity, determination, and engagement of our business community,” said Dr. Dan Kaufman, president & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber. “These risk-takers and innovators are the ones laying the foundation for a bright future of opportunity that we all enjoy.”
Rocket IT is the IT partner of choice for Gwinnett County organizations, providing both the strategy and support they need to thrive. By providing a client’s leadership team with the strategic foresight necessary for them to align technology investment with business goals, they can work from a shared vision, which increases efficiency, decreases risk, and increases revenue. Rocket IT is the recipient of multiple awards, such as Partnership Gwinnett’s Innovation Award and a spot on the Inc 5000.
2017: Rocket IT Named 2017 Impact Regional Business Award Finalist
Designed to be reflective and unique to Gwinnett and across metro Atlanta, the program pays tribute to premier organizations in top industries that are driving economic development and job creation, while enhancing our quality of life.
“At Rocket IT, we’re striving to change the way people think about outsourced IT and what they expect from their IT partner,” says Matt Hyatt, Founder, and CEO of Rocket IT. “It’s a huge honor to be endorsed by the Gwinnett community.”
Rocket IT is a finalist for the 2017 Impact Regional Business Award in Information Technology. Recipients will be selected in other various sectors such as AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction), Healthcare, International, and more.
“Bringing together leaders across these important industries is another example of how the Gwinnett Chamber can fulfill its mission to serve as a community forum,” said Dr. Dan Kaufman, President & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber. “We are honored to provide a platform that showcases these excelling organizations, which are what makes the metro region a leader in so many areas.”
The awards ceremony will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10 at the Infinite Energy Forum.
An overall IMPACT Regional Business Awards recipient will be selected from the category winners.
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2017: Rocket IT’s Ryan Bonilla Named Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year
Gwinnett Chamber Ambassadors are volunteers who act as an extension of Chamber staff by acclimating new members and serving as mentors to fellow members. The Ambassadors make it possible for the Chamber to offer many of its programs and services through the time and work they donate.
“Our Ambassadors play a pivotal role in allowing the Gwinnett Chamber to be able to execute on our programs and events. Ryan Bonilla has been a champion of the Gwinnett Chamber for several years, and his leadership as an Ambassador and Mentor to our Gwinnett Chamber members is irreplaceable,” said Vince DeSilva, the Gwinnett Chamber’s Senior Vice President of Member Services. “It’s important to note that Ryan’s peer Ambassadors and Members of the Gwinnett Chamber have chosen him for this distinct honor and we collectively at the Chamber celebrate Ryan Bonilla as 2016 Ambassador of the Year.”
Ryan Bonilla serves as Business Development Manager at Rocket IT and has helped Rocket IT experience unprecedented growth, giving the local company national recognition on the Inc 5000 list and CRN Fast Growth 150 list. In addition to serving as a Gwinnett Chamber Ambassador, Ryan is the 2017 Board Chair for the Gwinnett Young Professionals, mentors a STEM class at Central Gwinnett High School, and has supported Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s operations here in Gwinnett for years, starting with their Community Advisory Board and now through the Executives 4 Children’s program, where he has raised over $150,000 for CHOA in Gwinnett.
Photo courtesy of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.
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2017: Matt Hyatt Recognized with Partnership Gwinnett Innovation Award
Partnership Gwinnett is a public-private initiative dedicated to bringing new jobs and capital investment to Gwinnett County, Georgia. Since 2006, Partnership Gwinnett has worked with its local partners to attract and retain jobs, cultivate capital investment, support educational institutions, foster workforce development, and contribute to the exceptional quality of life found in Gwinnett.
Each year, Partnership Gwinnett culminates its Annual Summit with an awards ceremony. Awards are presented to one leader and one company in the categories of Imagination, Innovation, and Influence to honor local efforts supporting transformative concepts, community leadership, and economic progress in the County.
“Rocket IT has thrived even more than usual over the past three years due to visionary thinking and innovation cultivated through Matt’s leadership,” said Ryan Bonilla, Rocket IT Business Development Manager. “As a result, we are providing Gwinnett organizations strategic foresight that wasn’t previously available to them.”
As the Founder and CEO, Matt Hyatt has built Rocket IT into the IT partner of choice for Gwinnett County organizations. Through Matt’s innovative leadership and encouragement of ingenuity, Rocket IT has earned a place on the Inc. 5000 and GRN Fast Growth 150 lists in addition to being recognized with the US Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Small Business Award, Georgia Trend Magazine’s Best Place to Work Award, and Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s Pinnacle Small Business Award.
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2016: Gwinnett Young Professionals Leadership Institute Kicks Off Fall Class
(GWINNETT METRO ATLANTA NEWS) – July 13 – Gwinnett Young Professionals is pleased to announce its latest Leadership Institute class, which kicked off Tuesday, July 12. The Gwinnett Young Professionals Leadership Institute is designed to be an interactive exploration of personal leadership development. Active learning on the part of each individual is an essential component of this valuable experience and it involves more than just attending the Leadership Institute – it also requires participants to engage in critical reflection of readings and discussions, formulate individual perspectives on the issues raised in the Institute and actively participate in the exchange of ideas with other young professionals.
“By 2020, millennials will comprise 50 percent of the United States workforce,” said Sean George, manager of membership services at the Gwinnett Chamber and Gwinnett Young Professionals program manager. “To accommodate this workforce shift, the Leadership Institute was created.”
In partnership with Georgia Gwinnett College as well as supporting partner Porter Keadle Moore, the program features monthly gatherings and lectures at various locations around Gwinnett County and will conclude with a commencement ceremony in December.
“Gwinnett Young Professionals Leadership Institute was a very well planned and insightful six-month experience,” said Tabitha Spillers, Finance Manager with Precision Planning, Inc., and Spring 2016 graduate. “Through open dialogue of leadership theories, I learned how to effectively apply my skills to grow as a leader and manager. I am thankful for the new friendships and business connections gained, whom I can continue to learn from and lean on throughout my career.”
To register or for more information, visit gwinnettyoungprofessionals.com.
The Fall 2016 Gwinnett Young Professionals Leadership Institute class:
Instructor: Dr. Jim Fatzinger, Georgia Gwinnett College
Amanda Fischer, Georgia Gwinnett College
Anna Diez, Mitsubishi Electric Classic
Atiya Crockett, Georgia Gwinnett College
Bo Mann, Smith & Howard
Cally D’Angelo, Gwinnett Chamber
Casey Mashburn, Rhodes, Young, Black, & Duncan
Evan Pohl, Forge-Rx & CrossFit Winder
Fariha Hassan, AdEdge Water Technologies
Isabella Kissoon, Quantum National Bank
Jacque McFadden, Rocket IT
Jake Pond, AdEdge Water Technologies
Jay Patel, Emory HealthCare
Jeneeve Cooke, Republic Services, Inc.
Katrina Sharpe, Infinite Energy Center
Kent Snyder, Precision Planning, Inc.
Liz Kesler, MD Logic, Inc.
Madison Navarro, City of Sugar Hill
Mark Zielinski, GDP Technologies
Michelle Juda, Infinite Energy Center
Nadine Creutz-Adams, Porter Keadle Moore
Richard Cavagnaro, AdEdge Water Technologies
Skip Hulsey, Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners
Torrez Wilson, Georgia Gwinnett College
Trey Beasley, Marlow’s Tavern
Will Corbin, City of Duluth
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PROGRAM CONTACT
Sean George | 678.584.2252 | sgeorge@gwinnettchamber.org
MEDIA CONTACTS
Traci Strom | 678.584.2267 | traci@gwinnettchamber.org
Stephanie Hannum | 678.584.2266 | shannum@gwinnettchamber.org
2015: Rocket IT Wins U.S. Chamber Blue Ribbon Small Business Award
“The driving force behind Rocket IT is a deep desire to help people thrive. For us, that means that we strive for the highest possible good of our employees and their families, our clients and their employees, and for our community,” said Matt Hyatt, Rocket IT’s Founder and CEO. “We don’t expect anything in return, but we are truly honored to be named one of the top 100 small businesses in America by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.”
As a Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winner, Rocket IT is also eligible for the Community Excellence Award, which recognizes one small business that has earned its community’s high esteem. This award goes to the small business whose community feels the company has excelled in giving back and being involved locally. Communities can vote for the winner through public online voting between February 19th and March 4th.
“Rocket IT, as a result of its highly respected leadership and staff, continues to be impactful by going above and beyond in business, innovation, service and community support,” said Stephanie Sokenis, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s Director of Small Business. “Their dedication to all, coupled with their widely recognized superior level of business ethics, has earned them the highest level of respect among both personal and professional peers.”
A complete list of 2015’s Blue Ribbon Small Business Award® winners is available online here.
Rocket IT provides IT strategy and support to help local businesses thrive. Rocket IT’s unique three-pronged approach includes services built around the people instead of the technology, real strategic foresight – not just break/fix hindsight, and a better way to ensure trust and accountability. They give small businesses the capabilities of a full IT department, with a 98% client satisfaction rate and a 20-year track record of helping people thrive.
Learn About The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce
"The mission of the Gwinnett Chamber is to strengthen existing businesses, facilitate the growth of quality job opportunities, and enrich the community’s quality of life."
Since its beginnings in 1947, this rural chamber of commerce served the farmers and banks of Gwinnett County. As of 2020, the Gwinnett Chamber serves more than 2,500 members across the county's numerous cities strengthening and connecting companies.
To learn more about the Gwinnett Chamber and explore its many benefits, visit their website at GwinnettChamber.org.