Bel Fiore Bridal Named to the Bulldog 100: Fastest Growing Bulldog Businesses Class of 2012

Jan. 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Bel Fiore Bridal, helmed by 2001 UGA graduates Rachel and Tom Esposito, ranks as this year’s 50th fastest growing Bulldog business.  The firm specializes in bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedo rentals and other formal accessories and attire.

“We are so proud of our accomplishments and being a member of the Bulldog 100, 2 years in a row is humbling. It’s great to be a Georgia Bulldog!” said Esposito.
The Atlanta CPA firm, Gifford Hillegass and Ingwersen, LLP has annually partnered with the UGA Alumni Association since the inception of the program three years ago to verify the information that was submitted by each nominated company.  GH&I then ranked the companies based on compounded annual growth rate.
Nominations were collected between January and June 2011.  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 2008, 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.
Nearly 800 nominations were submitted for this year’s program.  The class of 2012 includes companies ranging in all sizes and services, from athletics equipment producers to web design and internet marketing firms. Several different areas of the country are represented, including companies from Connecticut, Nebraska, and New Mexico.    
UGA alumni and friends celebrated the 2012 Bulldog 100 honorees at a special event held  at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis on January 21, 2012. The evening began with a reception, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony.  Keynote speaker, Deborah Norville, anchor of “Inside Edition” and 1979 UGA graduate, led attendees to the highlight of the evening—the release of the final rankings and countdown of the 2012 Bulldog 100.  
“The UGA Alumni Association is thrilled to honor our graduates who demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence that bring honor to their alma mater,” said Deborah Dietzler, executive director of the UGA Alumni Association.  “We are proud of the accomplishments of these alumni, whose achievements during the Great Recession are noteworthy indeed.”  
Nominations for the 2013 Bulldog program will open January 30.  The full listing and rankings of the 2012 honorees and photos of the celebration can be found at www.alumni.uga.edu/b100.

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