Maxine H. Burton is the Founder and President/COO of burton + BURTON™. Established in 1982 and based in Athens, Georgia, burton + BURTON is one of the largest suppliers of balloons and related gift items in the United States, employing a staff of over two hundred and fifty, and enjoying a worldwide customer base. Mrs. Burton is a recognized leader in her industry and has received numerous awards over the years, to include Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2001; SE Retail & Wholesale Category) and the Georgia Family Business of the Year Award (2009) by Cox Family Enterprise Center of Kennesaw State University. In 2012, Mrs. Burton was named the Athens Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia and in 2013, was one of the first recipients of the UGA Graduate School Alumni of Distinction Award in acknowledgement of her professional and civic achievements. In 2015, Maxine and her husband, Robert, received the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Science Medallion of Honor in acknowledgement of their dedication to the college’s mission and continuing support. Most recently, Mrs. Burton was honored in a flower-naming ceremony at the International Floricultural Expo for her many professional contributions to the floral industry - the “Sweet Deep Pink Maxine Dianthus” will now and forever bear her name. Mrs. Burton is married to Robert E. Burton, Chief Executive Officer of burton + BURTON, and they reside in Athens, Georgia.