Marietta, Ga.-based Casteel Heating and Cooling has been named to the 2009 Small Business of the Year list by the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce. The award celebrates a longstanding recognition of small businesses in the county, and highlights companies that are making a positive impact on the community, especially during hard economic times.

“This outstanding company has grown from its humble beginnings to become one of the leading small businesses in Cobb County and this state,” declared Georgia State Sen. Judson H. Hill, who represents Cobb County.

The businesses were selected by an independent panel of judges. Judging criteria was based on a company’s staying power, growth in the number of employees, increase in sales volume, strong financial standing, innovation, community involvement, and charitable giving. “With over 40,000 businesses in Cobb County, it is quite an honor to be in the Top 25 and receive this type of recognition,” said Bob Casteel, owner of Casteel Heating and Cooling. “This award is truly a testament to our extremely talented and hard-working staff.”

John Hillis, vice president of Casteel Heating and Cooling, attributed the success of the firm to a proactive program of identifying and implementing efficiencies while maintaining a constant focus on the customer. “We maintained profitability and growth in 2008 by understanding what our customers wanted,” said Hillis. “By targeting initiatives that were more environmentally friendly and improving system efficiencies, we were able to help customers lower their utility costs.”

Accolades awarded to Casteel Heating and Cooling in 2008 include Amana’s “Going Green Award,” Trane’s “Platinum Award,” the “Technical Excellence Award” by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), and Kudzu’s “Georgia Superior Service Award.”

For more information, visit www.casteelair.com.

Publication date: 11/30/2009