GEORGIA GROWN PROFILE: Peach State Pride

Originally published in the July 24, 2013, edition

 

Apparel focuses on love of Georgia agriculture

 

By Morgan Smith

 

Derek Chitwood is a Georgian through and through. He grew up in a small Georgia town, working in his grandfather’s peach orchard, and wanted to share his love of Georgia and its agriculture with people everywhere.

 

So in 2009, he started Peach State Pride – a clothing line devoted to the love and pride of Georgia.

 

“I was a one-man crew with a big dream,” Chitwood said. “Peach State Pride simply symbolizes my love for the state of Georgia and the love and pride that so many others feel for this great state.”

 

From Cartersville to Jesup, Dahlonega to Bainbridge, Peach State Pride products are sold in stores across the state. The company recently opened The Peach State Pride Store in Watkinsville, Ga. Though Peach State Pride specializes in apparel, it also has products including decals, tumblers and koozies.

 

“We care about Georgia in a genuine way. We give back to Georgia, and we believe in our small towns. I don’t think you’ll find another clothing line that does that to the extent of Peach State Pride,” Chitwood said. “It is our goal to provide our customers with the highest quality merchandise that shows our pride for our beloved state.”

 

Peach State Pride joined the Georgia Grown program earlier this year, because, as Chitwood says, he believes in agriculture.

 

“There is only so much joy and happiness that money, material things and pavement can bring to a person. Farming is such a pure establishment, given to us by God as an avenue to connect to Him and to enjoy His creation,” Chitwood said. “While agriculture isn’t the only use of land, I personally believe it’s the most beautiful use, and it will stand the test of time.”

 

That belief is emblazoned on the company’s latest shirt design, which features the agriculture and commerce state Seal.

 

“Agriculture has a way of slowing life down and putting things into perspective,” Chitwood said. “Not everyone can be a farmer, but everyone can and should appreciate farming, and that’s why we joined Georgia Grown.”