50 Florida Companies to Be Honored

ORLANDO, Fla.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Fifty companies from 18 Florida counties have earned a place in Florida’s inaugural class of “Companies to Watch.” The accolade, presented by GrowFL, the Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida and ACG Florida, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation and funding support from The Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development, recognizes the state’s privately held businesses that employ up to 99 employees and have between $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or capital.

“Congratulations to this exemplary group of Florida businesses that continue to invest in their communities and create new jobs in all corners of our state.”

“Firms like these named ‘Companies to Watch’ continue to be the catalyst that is fueling Florida’s emergence from a turbulent national economy,” said Randy Berridge, President of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. “Congratulations to this exemplary group of Florida businesses that continue to invest in their communities and create new jobs in all corners of our state.”

The combined impact of the fifty chosen companies is $419 million in total annual revenue; 1,972 full-time equivalent employees and 510 new net jobs created compared to 2009. From 2006 through 2010, these companies generated $1.4 billion in revenue and added 1,153 employees (both in Florida and out of state), reflecting a 162 percent increase in revenue and 141 percent increase in jobs for the five-year period. That translates into a 32 percent annual revenue growth and 28 percent annual growth in employees.

With major sponsorship support from the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, the Florida Business Incubation Association, Fowler White Boggs, P.A. and the University of Central Florida, the “Florida Companies to Watch” awards program is an initiative developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation. Additional sponsors include Gulf Power Company, Nperspective, Osceola County Economic Development Department and the University of South Florida.

The fifty “Florida Companies to Watch” will be honored at the awards celebration on February 17 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando. Tickets are available online at www.florida.companiestowatch.org or by calling Lynn Aitken at 407-823-6384.

THE EVENT ORGANIZERS

GrowFL and the Florida Economic Gardening Institute
www.GrowFL.com

About ACG Florida
http://www.acg.org/florida

About the Edward Lowe Foundation
www.EdwardLowe.org

LIST OF 2011 WINNERS:

COMPANY

A.G. Findings & Mfg. Co. Inc.

Aerostar Environmental Services, Inc.

Airon Corporation

Alinean, Inc.

Analytics Partners

Ark Naturals Products for Pets