May 10, 2017
CONTACT: Lindsey Wiles
Communications Manager
lwiles@mariettaga.gov
770.794.5509

MARIETTA – On Tuesday, May 9, 2017, Mayor Steve Tumlin presented Robin Burruss of Marietta’s own Tip Top Poultry a key to the City of Marietta in honor of the company’s 70th Anniversary.
This honor, given at the discretion of the Mayor of Marietta, is reserved for people, businesses, or organizations who have made a tremendous impact on our great City, such as Tip Top Poultry. This family owned and operated food manufacturer has been headquartered in Marietta since 1947. They have continuously supplied "Tip Top" quality service and products to its customers nationwide. They continue to develop products to meet the needs of the industrial, export, retail and food service markets.
The family owned and operated company was founded in 1947, and acquired by Al Burruss in 1954. He soon thereafter invited Chet Austin, his life long best friend, to join him in the business. In 1970, Al’s son Robin Burruss began working for the company. He became General Manager in 1984, President of the company in 1986, and serves as Chairman currently. Chet’s son David joined the business in 1985 and today serves as Vice-Chairman and Corporate Treasurer. Robin’s son-in-law, Brad Respess, joined the company in 2001 and became the President and CEO in 2015.
Originally a very small broiler processor, Tip Top is now a leading player in the poultry industry as a major processor and marketer of cooked and raw poultry products. Now employing over 1600 people, Tip Top Poultry serves as the largest baking and stewing hen marketer in the United States.
“Tip Top Poultry has been a steady employer in the City of Marietta for the last 70 years,” said Mayor Steve Tumlin. “They may be known for their chicken, but they should be known for the way they do business. The level of corporate responsibility and involvement in our community is second to none. Because of their steadfast presence in our City, the quality of their product, the level of customer service they provide, and the way they treat their employees, I was honored to bestow upon Tip Top Poultry a key to our City.”