Shelly Justice named Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the year 2010 Finalist

Atlanta, GA  05/21/10. The Metro Atlanta Chamber and Atlanta Business Chronicle have honored outstanding small-business professionals in Atlanta since 1986 and this year Shelly Justice was named as a Small Business Person of the year 2010 Finalist.

To be considered for the award, nominees must have been in business at least three years, have fewer than 100 employees and less than $40 million in annual revenue, as well as be an active member in the community and a chamber member. The chamber announced the winner and finalists at its Small Business Day on May 20.

 

 

Below is Shelly's article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

 

 

Shelly Justice's list of contacts is more than a little interesting.

 

As president and CEO of Convention Models & Talent, Inc.(CMT), Justice can ring up a fire-eater, stilt walker and a Marilyn Monroe look-a-like. But what she really wants to do is assist clients, like Nokia, Heineken, Procter & Gamble Co.and GE make an impact at conventions and various events. 

 

"You have about five seconds to capture the attention of someone who walks into your booth - then precious minutes to tell them what you do," said Justice, a finalist for the Metro Atlanta Chamber's 2010 Small Business Person of the Year award.

 

And while Justice's database is colorful and diverse, one of the reasons she's been successful is her ability to provide professional, personable and well-trained staff.

Companies need exposure, but they want to cut costs. CMT provides an alternative that not only saves money but can make more of an impact at a tradeshow.

"They're Type 'A' personalities. They engage. Something some sales reps don't do because they're busy on their iPhones or BlackBerrys," she said.

 

Justice served as a spokesperson for various clients, and while working at tradeshows noticed client needs were changing. They needed well-rounded talent who were more than just fun to look at. Spokesmen and -women who could attract a crowd, deliver a message and make a professional impression were rare.

 

Justice decided to change that and founded CMT in 2001. "You can't just be a pretty face. You have to be knowledgeable about the brands and the company."

 

Justice's goal is to grow the firm to $10 million. To do so, she's forming an advisory board. "We're a young company," she said. "Sometimes I feel like we're cowboys."

 

That high energy level has served them well but to grow the business, Justice, who never took a business class in college, will need more than energy. "I have to bring in the big guns to get to a higher revenue-generating [level]."

 

Title: President and CEO

Company: Convention Models & Talent Inc. www.cmtagency.com

Year founded: 2001

Description: Provides high-end talent and staffing at tradeshows and events.

Business philosophy: "Be vocal," Justice says. "Silence means approval."