Florida Companies to Watch Awards Shines Spotlight on Second-Stage Growth Companies

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on a break-out inaugural year, the 2012 Florida Companies to Watch awards program returns to give second-stage businesses throughout Florida another opportunity to join a group of nationally recognized Companies to Watch honorees. This program celebrates growing second-stage companies headquartered in Florida and is presented by the Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation.

Companies to Watch was developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation as a unique way to recognize and honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes, making them "worth watching".  The program is held nationally in Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, expanding in 2012 to northeastern California and Washington state.  

"The Florida Companies to Watch celebrates the success of companies that make a significant difference in our economy.  In Florida, they account for eight percent of the companies and more than 30 percent of the jobs," said Tom O'Neal, Associate Vice President for Research and Commercialization at UCF and Executive Director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute.

Demonstrating the incredible potential for Florida's economic rebound, the 2011 class represents $419 million in total annual revenue, 1,972 fulltime 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 (in Florida and out of state), reflecting a 162 percent increase in revenue and 141 percent increase in jobs over five years. That translates into a 32 percent annual revenue growth and 28 percent annual growth in employees. * December 2010 data.

To be eligible for the award, a company must be a privately held, commercial enterprise that is currently in a stage of growth and past the start-up phase. Qualifying companies must also be headquartered in Florida, with six-99 full-time equivalent employees, and annual revenue in 2011 between $750,000- $50 million. Companies in all industries and across the state are invited to apply. The deadline to nominate a second-stage company is May 4, 2012.   All nominees and companies seeking to apply directly must submit an application by May 18, 2012.

The companies selected as 2012 Florida Companies to Watch will be recognized at a special ceremony on Friday, October 19, 2012 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida.  Visit www.Florida.CompaniestoWatch.org or email [email protected] for details.  2012 Sponsorships available, contact Christa Santos at 407-882-1576 or at [email protected].

Edward Lowe Foundation - Web:  www.EdwardLowe.org.

Florida Economic Gardening Institute - Web:  www.GrowFL.com.

Contact: Christa K. Santos
(407) 230-7018
[email protected]

SOURCE Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida