Annual Report
for the year ended 31 Dec 2018
With the 3rd generation taking the helm, a South Georgia beekeeping and honey distribution operation uses a USDA loan to move from regional prominence to the national stature they are. Borrower Spotlight: Weeks Honey Farm
“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 Eric Johnson, President of North Avenue Capi- tal, said this about Ray and Weeks Honey: “Weeks Honey is growing fast, creating new jobs in their community, and doing so with a legacy of integrity and excellence. The USDA loan is a great fit for this rural, family business.”
Currently available in 28 states & in nearly 3,000 stores including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger & more. “NAC Gave Weeks Honey the Boost They Needed...” - Jill Stuckey, Former USDA State Director of GA Donnie “Ray” Crosby is a man of faith, a devoted husband, a loving father, an expert beekeeper, and, most recent- ly, the 3rd generation CEO of Weeks Honey Farm, Inc. (Weeks Honey). Ray’s grandparents, Margaret & Fla- val Weeks, founded Weeks Honey in 1960, initially taking a hobby and setting out to meet local demand for pure, raw, unfiltered honey. His mother, Sharon Weeks Crosby, has been involved with the company from its inception and spent over 25 years at the helm, leading Weeks
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones!” Proverbs 16:24
Honey to regional prominence. Under Ray’s leadership, the dream of national distribution is coming true at a furi- ous pace. Having expanded distribu- tion from 150 to 3,000 retail locations in 2018, it is clear that consumers un- derstand the value of Weeks Hon- ey’s 100% US-made honey. He said, “My grandparents started this in- credible company more than 50 years ago, and my parents contin- ued the legacy of quality and integ- rity. I’m honored to carry on the torch to new markets, with new products, and the loan from North Avenue Capital will allow us to do just that.” As with any growing consumer prod- uct, Ray needed capital to effectively manage inventory, fill orders, and keep the momentum going. The USDA loan, underwritten and funded by NAC, is a key ingredient to realizing the dream.
“NAC provided real value for my family 3rd Generation Family-Owned Honey Farm in Georgia and me. Not just with the USDA loan, but they introduced us to a new CPA, gave valuable input on our marketing strategy, and have taken a genuine interest in our business,” added Ray. With fresh capital and shelf-space in the nation’s leading grocery stores, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger, Albertson’s, and many more, Ray expects Weeks Honey to be selling their honey in over 3,000 re- tail locations by the end of 2018. The nutritional value of honey is un- matched and undisputed…even the Bible agrees. Weeks Honey routinely reminds customers that...
“Weeks Honey is a great example...It’s just the type of project that the USDA likes to get behind...” - - Jill Stuckey, Former USDA State Director of GA
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