Reed's Metals, Inc.

Reed's Metals, Inc. owner Bernie Reed (left) and his wife Loretta (center) receive Industry of the Year Award from Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice-President Cliff Brumfield Thursday night at the 2008 Annual Chamber Banquet. Reed's Metals has been in business for over 10 years. (photo by THERESE APEL, courtesy of The Brookhaven Daily Leader)

Bernie Reed, President of Reed's Metals, Inc., said diversifiying his inventory may have played a part of the 25% growth this year that helped his company garner the Industry of the Year honors Thursday at the 2008 Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

Industrial Development Foundation Chairman Bill Sones said Reed's Metals has shown other area businesses what it is to grow from the ground up. "Our Industry of the Year is a true success story," he said.

"Considering where we started, it's almost unbelieveable that we've gotten this far," Reed said. "It means a great deal to us."

Sones said Reed's Metals, in addition to its growth, is on target to make $12 million in volume this year.

"I never dreamed we would get this far," said Reed who attributed his success to the people who have helped him over the years. "We've had a lot of help from people in the area and from a loyal customer base, both local and throughout the south-eastern U.S."