Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia is excited to announce the 2025 laureates for the 19th Annual JA Northwest Georgia Business Hall of Fame. This year’s distinguished honorees are Jim and Cathy Mathews, an outstanding couple whose contributions have significantly impacted the Northwest Georgia business community and beyond.
The couple have been instrumental in shaping Starr Mathews Insurance Agency into the trusted institution it is today. The agency was founded in 1920 in Calhoun with a commitment to integrity, honesty and hard work by Jim’s grandfather.
Under the leadership of both Jim and Cathy, Starr Mathews solidified its reputation as a leader in the region. Over the years, the agency has grown to meet the evolving insurance needs of its customers, always guided by the family’s core values. Today, Starr Mathews represents more than 30 financially stable insurance companies and markets around Northwest Georgia and Tennessee to become the largest independently owned insurance agency north of Atlanta.
Throughout their successful careers, the couple have diligently given back to the community by investing their time, resources and leadership to support the communities they serve. Their contributions have taken many forms, from supporting local educational initiatives and sponsoring youth sports programs to partnering with charitable organizations to address pressing community needs.
Beyond these endeavors, Jim and Cathy remain strongly connected to their church and family, serving as role models of faith and dedication. Through their business and personal endeavors, they have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their family, church and the Northwest Georgia community, leaving a legacy of generosity and leadership.
The JA Northwest Georgia Business Hall of Fame honors exceptional business leaders who have demonstrated excellence in their industries and a deep commitment to the community. The event will take place on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Dalton Convention Center. The evening will include a cocktail reception, a seated dinner and a formal induction ceremony of the honorees.
In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of this year’s laureates, the evening will recognize Amanda Brown as this year’s Rising Star. The Rising Star award highlights the next generation of excellence within the community.
Brown is the executive director of the Creative Arts Guild in Dalton, the state’s oldest multidisciplinary community arts organization. With advanced degrees in theatre arts, arts administration and arts in medicine, Brown brings a wealth of experience as an arts educator, director and choreographer to her role. Since 2014, she has strategically guided the Guild to launch high-quality arts offerings that enhance community engagement and improve quality of life.
This annual event supports Junior Achievement of Georgia’s mission to prepare young people for success through financial literacy, entrepreneurship and career readiness programs. Proceeds from the event help ensure that JA can continue to reach students across Georgia with its impactful programs.
For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities or to learn more about the 2025 laureates, please visit georgia.ja.org/dalton-hall-of-fame.
Submitted by Junior Achievement of Georgia.
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