Ever since buying the Atlanta Falcons in 2002, Arthur Blank has elevated the franchise into one that fields teams that regularly contend. On Wednesday night, Blank's good work with the Falcons was formally recognized.

The SportsBusiness Journal announced Wednesday that Blank, the owner of AMB Group which owns the Falcons and Atlanta United FC, has been named Executive of the Year by the publication. In addition, AMB Group CEO Steve Cannon also announced that the group won SBJ's Sports Breakthrough of the Year for their low-price concessions program at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

"We're humbled and honored by this recognition," said Blank, as reported by Vaughn McClure of ESPN. "It's an honor for all our businesses, our leadership team, and our associates to be recognized in this way."

Blank is indeed worthy of such recognition, and not only for his work in the development and realization of the Falcons' new stadium. Since buying the Falcons from the Smith family, the Falcons have become a highly-competitive franchise in the NFL, and have reached the door of the Lombardi Trophy on multiple occasions, making the NFC Championship Game three times and winning it during the 2016 season, earning them a place in Super Bowl LI, where they came tantalizingly close to winning their first championship.

In addition to his recognition, Blank has had a busy week with the NFL's Owners Meetings in Atlanta, addressing multiple issues such as Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones skipping OTAs and the NFL's resolution on honoring the national anthem.

For his part, Blank was unconcerned about the situation with Jones, and had little to say.

"It will be fine," said Blank via McClure. "It’s just a process we have to go through."

In speaking concerning the national anthem, Blank was more candid.

"...The reason I would feel strongly about [standing for the anthem] on this club, and I would feel very disappointed [if a player were to protest during the anthem], is we’re working together on a lot of stuff to address the issues. The issues haven’t been resolved, but the goal has been achieved and that’s to work together to find solutions. But it will take time," Blank told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Blank, a native of Sunnyside, New York, is the co-founder of The Home Depot, and has become one of the most prominent business figures in the Atlanta area. His recognition Wednesday night serves as another testament to his success on the sporting side of his enterprise.

