In recognition of the economic power of privately held businesses, DiversityBusiness.com, a business-to-business Internet site, recently named Carter Brothers, LLC as one of the top businesses in the United States.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Carter Brothers ranked in the Top Three Diversity Owned Businesses in the state of Georgia.

This is the 9th annual listing of the Nation’s top businesses by DiversityBusiness.com. The companies listed on the Top Business Lists represent the Nation’s top multicultural earners and challenge the long-held notion that a privately held business is small or insignificant. Winners are sought after by major corporations wishing to increase spending with small businesses.

"Entrepreneurs are a growing force in the U.S. economy, and a force to be reckoned with," said Kenton Clarke, CEO of Computer Consulting Associates International, the company that built DiversityBusiness.com. "This is a whole business segment that can carry its own, provides jobs, products and services, and generates wealth for their communities. These are the new leaders in American business."

Founded in 2001, by NFL great Cris Carter and his brother, business executive and entrepreneur, John Carter, Carter Brothers has established itself as one of the fastest growing companies in the electronic security and fire alarm industries. From the beginning, the two entrepreneurs focused their efforts on providing quality products and exceptional services to assist in securing and maintaining the integrity of each client’s facility.

In 2007, a pivotal company milestone was reached when Carter Brothers acquired fire alarm leader Edwards Service from GE Security, adding an additional presence in ten states. In 2008, Carter Brothers further expanded its national footprint and capabilities by establishing a strategic alliance with Johnson Controls, global leader in automotive experience, building efficiency and power solutions.

"Carter Brothers is tremendously proud to receive this recognition," said Carter Brothers Chairman Cris Carter. "The dedication and ingenuity of our employees as well as the loyal support of our partners led to significant growth in a troubled economy. John and I have been privileged to lead a team on impact players in every area of the business."

This List is a classification that represents the top small businesses in the U.S., in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, food service and professional services. Large organizational buyers throughout the country that do business with multicultural, small and women-owned businesses use the list. The List is produced annually by DiversityBusiness.com, the nation's leading multicultural business-to-business Internet portal that links large organizational buyers to multicultural product and service suppliers.