The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce named Brian Riggins its small business person of the year. Riggins, owner of Magnolia Golf Group, was chosen by the chamber’s small business person of the year committee at a ceremony Aug. 24. He was one of four finalists.

Riggins’ company works with nonprofit organizations to plan golf tournament fundraisers.

“What Brian does is so unlike anything I’ve ever heard of. He saw a need for something no one else did,” said committee chair Susan Brown.

“Most of his clients run on very little money but want to make a lot of money.”

Each year the chamber selects a person who bears principal responsibility for operating a business defined as “small” under the applicable Small Business Association size standards.

Ms. Brown said the winner needs to show sustained business growth and strong community involvement.

“Brian had a vision and worked really hard, and he’s very active in the community,” she said. “Magnolia Golf Group has grown to be a great small business.”

With a background in golf course management, Riggins founded his company in 1999.

“When I was working at golf courses, I saw a lot of tournaments come through that were unorganized,” he said. “In the Atlanta-area, there are wedding planners and party planners, but no one focused specifically on organizing golf events. We created our own market.”

By providing a variety of products from signage, player gifting, electronic leader boards and event management, Riggins and his company created a one-stop shop for nonprofit organizations and corporate groups to accomplish their fund raising goals.

Riggins said his business grew slowly at first, but Magnolia Golf Group will plan 150 tournaments this year and has the resources to host three or four tournaments a day.

“In these challenging economic times, nonprofits still need to raise money,” he said.

Riggins said he is honored to be chosen for the award out of all the businesses in the chamber.

“It’s been unbelievable. It didn’t hit home until I found out that there are 1,900 businesses in the chamber,” he said. “I’m looking forward to representing north Fulton.”

Riggins said he hopes to eventually open offices in Nashville, Tenn. and Chicago.