The Valdosta Chamber and program sponsor Renasant Bank named Brandon, Rackley & Dukes the Corporation of the Quarter.

The Corporation of the Quarter (COQ) award was created by Renasant Bank with the Valdosta Chamber to recognize larger businesses with 36 or more employees who excel in community involvement and genuinely value their employees. COQ awardees have an employee-centric culture and are longstanding Chamber members. Nominees are anonymously nominated and later judged by a panel of local business owners.

Fifty-five years ago, Brandon, Rackley & Dukes (BRD) started with just one employee. Today, the accounting firm has grown to employ a team of sixty-three.

The firm serves clients in industries such as medical professionals, legal professionals, real estate/construction, nonprofits, and agriculture across South Georgia. Additionally, their licensed CPAs offer audit, tax, bookkeeping, and consulting services such as valuation, business formation, retirement and estate/trust planning, and testifying as expert witnesses.

“Our firm and team members value our clients and the long-term relationships that have grown throughout the years. We strive to go above and beyond for our clients, which requires personal sacrifices throughout tax season to provide superior client service. We do this humbly and proudly to service our clients and meet deadlines throughout the year,” Senior Staff Accountant Catherine McCranie said.

When asked about ways that BRD shows employee appreciation, McCranie said, “Our team members are a priority and essential to the success of the firm. When the pressure of tax season is over, our employees’ vital contributions are rewarded with half-day Fridays, where staff get a jumpstart on the weekend as our office closes at noon. In addition to premium benefits, we plan fun birthday breakfasts for the team with an enormous spread from Jessie’s Catering and take time to catch up on our lives outside of work.”

BRD plays an active role through local sponsorships when it comes to community involvement. “Last year, BRD was a reception sponsor for the 2021 Distinguished Citizen’s Dinner for Boy Scouts of America and a platinum sponsor for the 2021 USTA Southern Doubles State Championship at McKey Park. Our firm also sponsored one of the 2021 Music in the Art Park concerts hosted by the Turner Center for the Arts. Similarly, BRD has sponsored the BARC Rescue Ball since inception and is a 2021-2022 gold sponsor for LHS varsity football cheer. Furthermore, our employees donate to United Way of Lowndes County through payroll deductions,” McCranie said.

Founder Johnny Dukes has served on many boards, including Valdosta North Rotary Club, Empty Stocking Fund, South Georgia Council Boy Scouts of America, Greater Valdosta United Way, Leadership Lowndes, Valwood School, Humane Society of Valdosta-Lowndes County, and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation – South.