Flat Creek Brings Home Producer of Distinction Award

Swainsboro, Georgia (October 16, 2008) – Practically an old hat at raking in cheese awards, Flat Creek Lodge in Southeast Georgia recently won an award from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) for the many products it distributes from Georgia to Georgians. Named as a Producer of Distinction, the fishing and hunting resort and spa was honored for its local products like artisanal cheeses, berries and the 2,000-acre property itself, which is a popular tourism draw. The Georgia Made Georgia Grown designation is a two-year distinction.

“We are honored to be recognized by the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development,” says Flat Creek Lodge owner Caroline Harless. “When Steve and I started Flat Creek Lodge, our goal was to work with local suppliers, artists and companies to develop the local economy. Now that we have our own products to offer, we are excited to become part of that Georgia network.”

GDEcD also awarded Producer of Distinction designation to the Averitt Center for the Arts, Meinhardt Vineyards and Winery, National Barbeque Festival and Flat Creek Lodge. The designation recognizes the best of Georgia’s artists, craftmakers, entertainers, authors, food product creators, festivals, agritourism venues, bed & breakfasts, shops and galleries. Flat Creek Lodge and the other recipients were honored at the “Making Your Mark in the Magnolia Midlands” symposium in September at the Averitt Center for the Arts in Statesboro where Cathy McDaniel, Flat Creek Lodge general manager, accepted the award with enthusiasm.

Participation in the Producer of Distinction Program is voluntary and open to all Georgia creative businesses that consistently meet and exceed specific quality standards. Eligible business owners must recognize the importance of designing and creating quality work, invest their time and resources in making a difference by mentoring and giving back to their communities and share their expertise with others.

With the opening of the Flat Creek Lodge Dairy in 2007, Flat Creek became only the second licensed artisanal cheese dairy in Georgia. Cheeses like the signature Farmhouse, Farmhouse Blue and spicy Aztec Cheddar have now made their way to restaurants and retail spaces in Atlanta as well as Savannah and North Georgia, Highlands, North Carolina and Murray’s, a renowned retailer of cheeses in New York City. Flat Creek also often partners with other local growers such as wineries like Persimmon Creek Vineyards in Clayton. Additionally, the line of cheeses is available onsite at Flat Creek Lodge or through the website. www.flatcreeklodge.com

The Flat Creek Lodge Dairy produces a full line of artisanal cheeses including: Cheddars – Aged, Horseradish, Aztec and Thai Chili; Onion Mustard Kase; smoked cheeses such as Smokin’ Jack; the original Flat Creek Farmhouse and Farmhouse Blue; Dutch–style Leiden and cheeses flavored with herbs and other produce from the Flat Creek Lodge greenhouses. All of the cheeses are made from raw milk except the Flat Creek Feta, which is pasteurized. New Flat Creek Lodge cheese creations will be perfectly aged and ready soon including the Aged Stir Curd, Grana Kalamata Olive and White Wine Feta and the unique Vidalia Onion Kase.

Located just three hours southeast of Atlanta, Flat Creek Lodge welcomes the discerning sportsman and sportswoman to an unforgettable hunting and fishing adventure. Amid a pristine and private woodland preserve, guests can stay in the main Lodge or in a private Cottage. Visitors can enjoy many outdoor activities, relax in the Spa, or pamper themselves in the uniquely designed Japanese Bathhouse before experiencing the cuisine in the Flat Creek Lodge Dining Room. Menus feature fresh, seasonal herbs, fruits, and vegetables, wild game and seafood from the Golden Isles of Georgia. Dining on Friday and Saturday evenings is four or five courses paired with just the right wine. The 2,000-acre Flat Creek Lodge is located at 367 Bishop Chapel Church Road, Swainsboro, Georgia 30401. The Lodge can be reached at 478.237.FISH or 877.352.8273. It can also be visited online at www.flatcreeklodge.com .